Head Coach Andrew Browne has today named the Ireland Men’s U20s Squad, sponsored by PwC, for the 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia.
Ireland have been drawn in Pool C alongside Argentina, England and USA for this summer’s tournament and will play all their Pool matches at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi.
Having led Ireland in the U20 Men’s Six Nations, Sami Bishti will once again captain Browne’s side, who open their campaign against England on Saturday, 27 June (Kick-off 3.30pm local time/12.30pm Irish time).
Ireland then go head-to-head with Argentina on Match Day 2 on Thursday, 2 July (Kick-off 3.30pm local time/12.30pm Irish time), before concluding the Pool stages against USA in Tbilisi on Tuesday, 7 July (Kick-off 1pm local time/10am Irish time).
Ireland’s matches are live on Premier Sports and RugbyPass TV.
Commenting ahead of the tournament, Head Coach Browne said: “We’re delighted to today announce our 30-player squad for the upcoming World Rugby Junior World Championship.
“Building on from our Six Nations campaign, we have worked hard over a number of preparation camps and recent uncapped matches against Scotland and a Munster Development side.
“The World Rugby Junior World Championship is a fantastic challenge and an opportunity to test ourselves against the best teams in the world. We are aware of the challenges ahead, coming up against some quality sides in our Pool, but the players are excited for what lies ahead and are relishing the platform to grow and develop our performance levels in green.
“We’re looking forward to getting over to our base in Tbilisi and representing Ireland with pride on the world stage.”
Enda McDonagh, PwC Managing Partner, added: “We are proud to continue our support of the Ireland U20 Men’s team as they build on the momentum of an outstanding Six Nations campaign and embark on an exciting summer of international rugby.
“At PwC, we are committed to fostering an environment where our people can realise their full potential and where achievement is recognised and celebrated. We understand the dedication, resilience and ambition required to progress to the next level. PwC is proud to support Ireland’s next generation.”
Ireland Men’s U20s Squad - 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship:
Forwards (17):
Sami Bishti (UCD/Leinster)(captain)
Ben Blaney (Terenure/Leinster)
Jamie Conway (Shannon/Munster)
Adam Cooper (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Max Doyle (UCD/Leinster)
Joe Finn (Garryowen/Munster)
Rian Handley (Old Wesley/Leinster)
Charlie Keane (Corinthians/Connacht)
Alex Lautsou (Shannon/Munster)
Duinn Maguire (UCD/Leinster)
Blake McClean (Instonians/Ulster)
Donnacha McGuire (UCD/Leinster)
Luke McLaughlin (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
Dylan McNeice (UCD/Leinster)
Josh Neill (Old Wesley/Leinster)
Diarmaid O'Connell (Corinthians/Connacht)
Paddy Woods (Queen's University/Ulster)
Backs (13):
Christopher Barrett (UCC/Munster)
Noah Byrne (Dublin University/Leinster)
Rob Carney (Cashel/Munster)
Jack Deegan (Blackrock/Leinster)
Daniel Green (Queen’s University/Ulster)
Charlie Molony (UCD/Leinster)
James O'Dwyer (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
James O'Leary (UCC/Munster)
Charlie O'Shea (UCC/Munster)
Johnny O'Sullivan (Dublin University/Leinster)
Daniel Ryan (Corinthians/Connacht)
Sean Walsh (Corinthians/Connacht)
Tom Wood (Garryowen/Munster).
Ireland Men’s U20s Fixtures - 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship:
- Saturday, 27 June: Ireland v England, Avchala Stadium, 3.30pm local time/12.30pm Irish time
- Thursday, 2 July: Ireland v Argentina, Avchala Stadium, 3.30pm local time/12.30pm Irish time
- Tuesday, 7 July: Ireland v USA, Avchala Stadium, 1pm local time/10am Irish time.