Rugby League: Irish team to take on world

04 October 2013

Ireland head coach Mark Aston has announced his 24- man squad for the upcoming World Cup.

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The final squad includes 10 Super League players and four players from Australia’s NRL competition, with the remainder coming from the Championship and the NSW Cup in the form of Joshua Toole.

Wingers Pat Richards and Damien Blanch have been included alongside the Grix Brothers, Simon and Scott who return to the squad for the first time since 2010.

From the NRL Brett White (Canberra Raiders), Rory Kostjasyn (North Queensland Cowboys), James Hasson (Manly Sea Eagles) and Api Pewhairangi (Parramatta Eels) have all been included.

The squad will continue to be led by Featherstone Rovers scrum-half Liam Finn.

Ireland begin their campaign on October 28 when they face Fiji in Rochdale.

SQUAD IN FACTFILE

All-Ireland champions Galway and beaten finalists Kilkenny dominate the All Star nominations.

The team will be announced at the 10th annual All Stars banquet in Citywest on November 2.

Galway, who won their second All-Ireland last month, have received nine nominations, including goalkeeper Susan Earner, veteran centre-back Therese Maher and midfielder Niamh Kilkenny.

Kilkenny and league champions Cork both received 10 nominations, while Offaly have five.

Details in factfile

JOHN JOE NEVIN files out to the Philadelphia this weekend to complete his switch to the pro ranks.

The Irish bantamweight said last week that he will be signing for Oscar De La Hoya‘s Golden Boy Promotions in LA.

But Nevin now says that he will also have a look at two other offers from rival promoters when he is in the States.

Nevin declined to comment on whether Philadelphian Tom Moran, an ex-manager to Tim Witherspoon, is negotiating on his behalf.

“By this time next week I’m expecting that I will have signed a contract to the professional ranks,” said Nevin, who will leave for the USA tomorrow or Sunday and stay for a week.

Meanwhile, Mayo’s Ciara Ginty has been selected as the International Boxing Association‘s (AIBA) World Women’s Junior Boxer of 2013.

The Geesala BC lightweight won gold and the best boxer award at the AIBA World Women’s Junior Championships in Bulgaria last week.

Article source: http://caledonianmercury.com/2013/09/30/rugby-a-tale-of-two-cities/0042008

Rugby League: Irish team to take on world