Seven Ulster Players Named In Ireland U20 Squad

An extended squad of 30 players including Captain Nick McCarthy has been named for the Ireland Under 20s, sponsored by PwC, ahead of their 2015 RBS U20 Six Nations campaign.

Seven Ulster players including six current Hughes Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy players - Sam Arnold, Lorcan Dow, Michael Lagan, Jack Owens, Jacob Stockdale and Alex Thompson are named in the squad along with Zac McCall. If selected, all seven Ulster representatives have the opportunity to win their first Ireland cap at U20 level in February.

Speaking ahead of the Tournament, Head Coach Nigel Carolan said, "The squad sees a great mixture of new faces and those with experience at this level from last season. We have been really impressed by the attitude of the players, both on and off the field. Their enthusiasm and attention to detail has been second to none.

"The warm up games against the provincial development sides over Christmas have provided the opportunity to develop our game and confirm the potential within our player group.

"We are looking forward to getting the campaign underway with our opening game away to Italy."

Speaking in advance of the upcoming Under 20 RBS Six Nations matches, Ronan Murphy, Senior Partner, PwC, said, "We remain very committed to supporting Irish Rugby principally through our sponsorship of the Under 20 team and we wish them every success for 2015 and in their upcoming RBS Six Nations Championship campaign."

Ireland U20s have two home games this year, they will take on France at Dubarry Park in Athlone on Friday 13th February and face their English counterparts in Donnybrook Stadium on Friday 28th February. 

Electric Ireland will continue their sponsorship of the Ireland U20 home series. Speaking about the announcement, Niall Dineen, Head of Commercial at Electric Ireland said, "Electric Ireland is delighted to once again sponsor the U20 Rugby International Home Series. 

"We have a long tradition supporting young people in sport and we look forward to working with the IRFU and helping to promote the young rugby stars of tomorrow at this year's match in Donnybrook.”