Thomond Park will host an intriguing contest this Friday, , as Ireland XV face England ‘A’ in a crucial fixture for players seeking to impress ahead of the Guinness Six Nations championship. The Ireland XV side, announced today, , features a blend of experience and emerging talent, with six players boasting senior international caps.
Deegan to Captain a Cap-Rich Ireland XV
Leinster’s Max Deegan will lead the team as captain, adding leadership to a squad that includes Shane Daly, James Hume, Ciarán Frawley, Gus McCarthy, and Fineen Wycherley – all seasoned Test players. The selection underscores the importance of this ‘A’ international as a proving ground for those on the periphery of the full Ireland squad.
The back three will see a debut for Joshua Kenny alongside Shane Daly and Zac Ward. In the midfield, James Hume will partner with Dan Kelly, providing a physical presence and creative spark. The half-back pairing will be an all-Leinster affair, with Fintan Gunne at scrum-half and Ciarán Frawley at out-half, tasked with orchestrating the Irish attack.
Pack Strength and Emerging Talent
The forward pack features a strong Leinster contingent, with Billy Bohan, Gus McCarthy, and Scott Wilson forming the front row. Charlie Irvine and Fineen Wycherley will provide second-row power, while Deegan anchors the back row alongside Bryn Ward at openside and Brian Gleeson at number 8. This combination aims to provide both physicality and breakdown expertise.
The replacements bench offers further depth, with Diarmuid Barron, Sam Crean, and Jack Aungier providing cover in the front row. Harry Sheridan and Paul Boyle offer options in the second and back rows, while Matthew Devine and Cathal Forde complete the squad as backline replacements, alongside Sean Jansen.
England ‘A’ Pose a Significant Challenge
Ireland XV will face a formidable opponent in England ‘A’, who have also named a star-studded team. England’s lineup includes Joe Carpenter, Cadan Murley, Luke Northmore, Orlando Bailey, and Ollie Hassell-Collins in the backline, with Billy Searle and Harry Randall directing play from half-back. The pack is anchored by captain Ethan Roots, alongside Jack Kenningham and Alex Dombrandt.
England ‘A’ also boasts a strong bench, including Kepueli Tuipulotu, Archie van der Flier, Afolabi Fasogbon, Hugh Tizard, Fitz Harding, Raffi Quirke, Charlie Atkinson, and George Hendy, indicating their intent to compete fiercely for every position.
Opportunity Knocks for Six Nations Snubs
This match presents a significant opportunity for players who missed out on selection for the main Six Nations squads. Both teams will be eager to showcase their abilities and potentially force their way into contention for future matches. The intensity of the contest is expected to be high, as players vie for recognition and a place in their respective national teams.
The game at Thomond Park, kicking off at on Friday, promises to be a compelling encounter, offering a glimpse into the future of Irish and English rugby. The inclusion of six capped players in the Ireland XV highlights the competitive depth within the Irish squad, and the match will undoubtedly serve as a valuable experience for all involved.
Squad Lists in Full
Ireland XV: Shane Daly; Joshua Kenny, James Hume, Dan Kelly, Zac Ward; Ciarán Frawley, Fintan Gunne; Billy Bohan, Gus McCarthy, Scott Wilson; Charlie Irvine, Fineen Wycherley; Max Deegan (capt), Bryn Ward, Brian Gleeson.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Sam Crean, Jack Aungier, Harry Sheridan, Paul Boyle, Matthew Devine, Cathal Forde, Sean Jansen.
England ‘A’: Joe Carpenter; Cadan Murley, Luke Northmore, Orlando Bailey, Ollie Hassell-Collins; Billy Searle, Harry Randall; Tarek Haffar, Jamie Blamire, George Kloska; Ben Bamber, Joe Batley; Ethan Roots (capt), Jack Kenningham, Alex Dombrandt.
Replacements: Kepueli Tuipulotu, Archie van der Flier, Afolabi Fasogbon, Hugh Tizard, Fitz Harding, Raffi Quirke, Charlie Atkinson, George Hendy.
