Two Ulster players have been named in the PwC Ireland U20 team by head coach, Mike Ruddock for the 2014 RBS U20 6 Nations Championship. Queens University winger, David Busby, who has made a significant contribution to the Ulster U20 team this season is named in the squad along with Exiles and Harlequins back row, Frankie Taggart, who captained Ulster U20s to a victory over Munster in the Inter-provincial series at Ravenhill.
The majority of players selected will be looking forward to making their 6 Nations debut with the only exceptions being Peter Dooley (Lansdowne FC) and Peadar Timmins (UCD) who are retained from last year's squad. UCD flanker, Dan Leavy has been named as squad captain.
Leavy played four times for the U20s in last year's U20 IRB World Cup and he is another who is set to make his 6 Nations debut this spring. Five other players selected who featured in last year's World Cup are Peter Dooley (Lansdowne FC), Jack O'Donoghue (UL Bohemians RFC), Adam Byrne (UCD), Alex Wootton (Garryowen) and Peader Timmins (UCD).
Harrison Brewer (Terenure College RFC) the son of Mike Brewer, the 32 time capped All Black, has also been named in the squad. In 2013, the Ireland U20s finished in third place in the RBS 6 Nations Championship with two wins and a draw.
PwC U20 Head Coach, Mike Ruddock, commented, "We have a very competitive group this year with a number of players gathering invaluable experience with provincial A sides and in the Ulster Bank League. We have a good record at Dubarry Park and we will be looking to build on strong home form ahead of two difficult away fixtures.”
Damian Byrne, Partner, PwC, also commented: "Having the right talent working together is critical to success in sport and in business. We are committed to supporting the development of Irish Rugby through our sponsorship of the Under 20 team and wish them every success in their upcoming 2014 RBS Six Nations Championship.”
PwC IRELAND U20 Squad for RBS U20 6 Nations Championship
Max Abbott (Cork Constitution FC – MUNSTER)
Harrison Brewer (Terenure College RFC – LEINSTER)
Rory Burke (Cork Constitution FC – MUNSTER)
David Busby (QUB RFC – ULSTER)
Ross Byrne (UCD RFC – LEINSTER)
Adam Byrne (UCD RFC – LEINSTER)
Jack Cullen (Bruff RFC – MUNSTER)
William Dardis (UCD RFC– LEINSTER)
Shane Delahunt (Lansdowne FC – LEINSTER)
Peter Dooley (Lansdowne FC – LEINSTER)
Ian Fitzpatrick (Lansdowne FC – LEINSTER)
Stephen Gardiner (Lansdowne FC – LEINSTER)
Dan Goggin (Young Munster RFC – MUNSTER)
Oisin Heffernan (Lansdowne FC – LEINSTER)
Cian Kelleher (Lansdowne FC – LEINSTER)
Dan Leavy (UCD RFC – LEINSTER) Capt.
Nick McCarthy (UCD RFC – LEINSTER)
Conor McKeon (Lansdowne FC – LEINSTER)
Rory Moloney (Buccaneers RFC – CONNACHT)
Ross Molony (UCD RFC – LEINSTER)
Sean O'Brien (Galwegians RFC – CONNACHT)
Jack O'Donoghue (UL Bohemians RFC – MUNSTER)
Gary Ringrose (UCD RFC – LEINSTER)
Peter Robb (Old Belvedere RFC – LEINSTER)
Frankie Taggart (Belfast Harlequins – ULSTER)
Peadar Timmins (UCD RFC – LEINSTER)
Jacob Walshe (Buccaneers RFC – CONNACHT)
Alex Wootton (Garryowen – MUNSTER)
PwC IRELAND U20 RBS 6 Nations Fixtures
IRELAND U20s v Scotland U20s
Dubarry Park; 19:05
Friday 31st January, 2014
IRELAND U20s v Wales U20s
Dubarry Park; 19:35
Friday 7th February, 2014
England U20s v IRELAND U20s
Franklin's Gardens: 18:15
Saturday 22nd February, 2014
IRELAND U20s v Italy U20s
Dubarry Park; 19:05
Friday 7th March, 2014
France U20s v IRELAND U20s
Maurice Trelut; 20:55
Friday 14th March, 2014