Ireland Under-20s Squad Revealed for Six Nations, Éanna McCarthy to Lead Campaign

Ireland Under-20s Squad Revealed for Six Nations, Éanna McCarthy to Lead Campaign

January 14, 2025 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Sports

Ireland Under-20s Gear Up for Six Nations Campaign with Fresh Faces and Familiar Talent

Ireland’s under-20 rugby team is set to kick off their Six Nations campaign with a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, as head coach Neil Doak unveils a 31-man squad brimming with potential. The tournament begins on Thursday, Jan. 30, with a highly anticipated clash against reigning world champions England at a sold-out Virgin Media Park in Cork.

Doak, who steps into the role after Willie Falloon’s tenure, brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached the Irish under-18 Schools team and served as an assistant coach during last summer’s World Championship in South Africa. He is joined by assistant coaches Andrew Browne, Seamus Toomey, and Ian Keatley, forming a coaching team eager to build on Ireland’s recent successes.

Leading the squad is Cork-born Connacht academy prospect Éanna McCarthy, who will captain the side. McCarthy is one of seven players returning with prior under-20 experience, including prop Alex Usanov, second rows Alan Spicer and Billy Corrigan, and hookers Henry Walker and Mikey Yarr. Sale Sharks scrumhalf Will Wootton, younger brother of former Munster and Connacht wing Alex Wootton, also returns after missing last year’s campaign due to injury.

Ireland enters the tournament on the back of two consecutive Grand Slam victories, though last year’s campaign ended in a dramatic 32-32 draw with England, denying them a third straight title by a single bonus point. The squad has already shown promise in warm-up matches, securing wins against Italy and a Leinster Development XV.

The team boasts a blend of talent from across Ireland’s provinces, with several players coming through the IQ Rugby program. Among them are outhalf-cum-fullback Daniel Green, hooker Henry Walker, and scrumhalf Will Wootton. Leinster’s influence is evident, with players like Enniscorthy centre Connor Fahy, Tullamore-born wing Páidí Farrell, and second row Mahon Ronan all having represented the province in the A interprovincial series.

Munster’s contributions include centres Gene O’Leary Kareem and Eoghan Smyth, outhalf Dylan Hicks, and backrow Michael Foy. Meanwhile, Connacht’s academy is represented by prop Billy Bohan, backrow Bobby Power, and captain Éanna McCarthy. Ulster’s contingent features scrumhalf Clark Logan, outhalf/fullback Daniel Green, and hookers Henry Walker and Connor Magee.

Injuries have sidelined promising tighthead prop Niall Smyth, fullback Todd Lawlor, and Shannon duo Emmet Calvey and Luke Murphy, while outhalf Casper Gabriel remains ineligible for now. Despite these setbacks, Doak remains optimistic about the squad’s potential.

“It’s a hugely exciting time,” Doak said. “Having been a parent, supporter, and spectator of this program, I’m thrilled to now be in the coaching role. We want to play a brand of rugby that excites both the players and the spectators, and we’ll adjust our approach to suit the team’s strengths.”

The squad’s depth is evident across both backs and forwards. The backline features dynamic players like Páidí Farrell, Ciaran Mangan, and Will Wootton, while the forward pack includes standout names such as Alan Spicer, Billy Corrigan, and Aaron O’Brien.

Ireland’s Six Nations journey begins with a tough opener against England, followed by matches against Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy. With a blend of experience and fresh talent, the team aims to reclaim their dominance in the tournament and continue their legacy of success at the under-20 level.

Ireland Under-20s Squad
Backs (14): Andrew Doyle, Connor Fahy, Páidí Farrell, Daniel Green, Dylan Hicks, Gene O’Leary Kareem, Clark Logan, Ciaran Mangan, Derry Moloney, Charlie Molony, Andre Ryan, Eoghan Smyth, Sam Wisniewski, Will Wootton.
Forwards (17): Billy Bohan, Billy Corrigan, Michael Foy, Conor Kennelly, Connor Magee, T McAllister, Éanna McCarthy, Alex Mullan, Aaron O’Brien, Bobby Power, Mahon Ronan, Alan Spicer, Alex Usanov, Henry Walker, David Walsh, Adam Watchorn, Mikey Yarr.

Fixtures:

  • Jan. 30: Ireland v England, Virgin Media Park (7:45 p.m.)
  • Feb. 8: Scotland v Ireland, Hive Stadium (7:45 p.m.)
  • Feb. 21: Wales v Ireland, Rodney Parade (7:45 p.m.)
  • March 7: Ireland v France, Virgin Media Park (8:00 p.m.)
  • March 14: Italy v Ireland, Stadio Comunale di Monigo (7:45 p.m.)

Conclusion

As Ireland’s under-20 rugby team prepares to ‌embark on their 2025 Six Nations⁣ campaign, the squad under head coach Neil Doak embodies the perfect⁢ blend of seasoned‌ veterans and rising stars. The strategic selection of‌ a 31-man squad ensures that‌ both continuity and innovation are integral to the team’s strategy,‍ with seasoned players like Éanna McCarthy and prop Alex Usanov leading by example alongside the roster ‍of young talent.

Following⁣ two consecutive Grand Slam victories ​in the ​last tournament,⁣ the pressure is on, but Doak‌ and his coaching team, comprising Andrew Browne, Seamus Toomey, and Ian Keatley, are well-equipped to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. The squad has already demonstrated it’s potential through notable warm-up ‍victories against italia and Leinster Progress XV.

This campaign marks a important chapter in the development of Irish rugby,with several⁢ young players showcasing their skills through⁤ the IQ Rugby program. The influence of‌ various provinces is evident, with notable contributions ⁢from Leinster (Connor Fahy, Páidí Farrell,⁢ and Ronan Mahon), Munster (Gene O’Leary Kareem and Eoghan smyth), and Connacht (Éanna ‌McCarthy ‌and the ‌academy system).

The highly anticipated opening match ‌against ‌reigning world champions England at Virgin Media Park promises to be a spectacle, with the ⁣entire ‌rugby community eagerly awaiting to see how this dynamic ⁣team will perform. As the tournament unfolds, one ⁤thing is clear: Ireland’s under-20s are poised to make their mark not just‌ as contenders but as pioneers ‌in⁣ shaping⁢ the future of Irish rugby.

With unity, dedication, and ​a passion for the game ‍that defines their journey,⁣ this team⁤ is primed to write ‌another chapter of excellence in⁤ the rich history of Irish rugby. The anticipation builds as ‌they gear up for what promises to be​ an unforgettable Six Nations campaign. It is indeed a period of great promise and potential for ireland’s youngest stars, and they are ready to make their presence felt on the ⁣world stage.
As Ireland’s under-20 rugby team prepares to embark on their 2025 Six Nations campaign, they are primed with a blend of seasoned players and rising stars. The announcement of Head Coach neil Doak’s 31-man squad, sponsored by PwC, is a testament to the rich talent pool within Irish rugby. With a wealth of experience and a promising lineup, the team looks to build upon their recent successes and reclaim their dominance in the tournament.

Leading the squad is Cork-born Éanna McCarthy, who has been named captain. McCarthy is one of seven players returning with prior under-20 experience, including prop Alex Usanov, second rows Alan Spicer and Billy Corrigan, and hookers Henry Walker and Mikey Yarr. Additionally, Sale Sharks scrumhalf Will Wootton returns after missing last year’s campaign due to injury.

The squad boasts a diverse range of talent from across Ireland’s provinces. Leinster’s influence is evident, with players like Enniscorthy center Connor Fahy and second row Mahon Ronan all having represented the province in the A interprovincial series. Munster’s contributions include centres Gene O’Leary kareem and Eoghan Smyth, both of whom have shown promise in the squad’s warm-up matches against Italy and a Leinster Growth XV.

The tournament begins on Thursday, January 30, with a highly anticipated clash against reigning world champions England at a sold-out Virgin Media Park in Cork. The fixtures later include matches against Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy. As the team gears up for these challenges, they aim to recreate their legacy of success at the under-20 level.

according to Head Coach Neil Doak, “We want to play a brand of rugby that excites both the players and the spectators, and we’ll adjust our approach to suit the team’s strengths.” With a blend of experience and fresh talent, the Ireland Under-20s are poised to make a meaningful impact in the 2025 Six Nations Championship.

As the tournament unfolds, it will be exciting to see how this youthful and versatile team evolves under the guidance of Doak and his assistant coaches, Andrew Browne, Seamus Toomey, and ian Keatley. The team’s depth across both backs and forwards is evident, with standout names such as Alan Spicer, Billy Corrigan, and Aaron O’Brien contributing to this dynamic lineup.

Ireland’s Six Nations journey is not just about regaining dominance but also about nurturing the next generation of rugby stars.With each match, they will not only strive for victory but also represent the rich tradition and spirit of Irish rugby. Whether they achieve another Grand Slam or face unexpected setbacks, the pathway ahead is filled with potential, excitement, and the promise of inspiring young players.

As the 2025 Six Nations unfolds, Ireland’s under-20 rugby team is ready to write their own chapter in the storied history of Irish rugby, showcasing both the talent and determination that has come to define this iconic sport. The journey begins on January 30th, and with each game, the future looks green and full of promise.