Ireland Rugby Under 20 World Cup Squad Announced

At the launch of the Under 20 World Cup squad Irish rugby Coach Mike Ruddock was quick to talk up the importance – what this level of rugby – has on the careers of underage Irish rugby players.


A bone of contention in recent times with rugby supporters has been the inclusion of Robbie Henshaw and Stewart Olding in the senior side for the summer tour in favour of touring at the World Cup with the Under 20s. Coach Mike Ruddock was quick to dismiss any problems.

“Obviously in the ideal world every coach wants their best players but I take a step back now. I’ve got a little bit older and wiser as the years have gone by and you don’t start to think about what is just best for your team but for Irish rugby as a whole and so I think it’s good, I think it’s really top stuff. It gives inspiration to my side going to the world cup.”

Mike Ruddock was also keen to point out the effect that Under 20 Rugby would have on emerging talent in years to come.

“The days of proving yourself at Under 20 level and then having to do that all over again by proving yourself at provincial level are gone. I think it’s a crossroads where we have shown we value under age talent and where they can succeed earlier in their careers.”

Mike Ruddock brings 28 players along with him for the World Cup with Leinster star Luke McGrath captaining the side. The tournament starts next Wednesday the 5th of June where they come up against Australia. The games can be caught on TG4.

Squad: Adam Boland (Lansdowne/Connacht)

Edward Byrne (UCD/Leinster)

Adam Byrne (UCD/Leinster)

Bryan Byrne (UCD/Leinster)

Steve Crosbie (Old Belvedere/Leinster)

Thomas Daly (Lansdowne/Leinster)

John Donnan (Ballynahinch/Ulster)

Peter Dooley (Lansdowne/Leinster)

Thomas Farrell (Lansdowne/Leinster)

Ryan Furniss (Worcester/Exiles)

Conor Joyce (Malone/Ulster)

Darragh Leader (Galwegians/Connacht)

Daniel Leavy (UCD/Leinster)

Sean McCarthy (Shannon/Munster)

Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster) (capt)

George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons/Exiles)

Ryan Murphy (Dolphin/Munster)

Jack O’Donoghue (UL Bohemians/Munster)

David Panter (Corinthians/Connacht)

Mark Roche (Lansdowne/Connacht)

Rory Scannell (Dolphin/Munster)

Rory Scholes (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)

David Shanahan (Clontarf/Leinster)

Darren Sweetnam (UCC/Munster)

Christopher Taylor (Malone/Ulster)

Gavin Thornbury (UCD/Leinster)

Peadar Timmins (UCD/Leinster)

Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)

Ireland Rugby Under 20 World Cup Squad Announced