Four Ulster players have been named in the Ireland U18 Schools Squad announced for the FIRA/AER European Championships which takes place in Grenoble, France from 22nd - 30th March.

Methodist College forwards Michael Lagan, Alexander Thompson and James Gallagher, who won the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup earlier in the week, are joined in the 26 man panel by Campbell College back Jack Owens.

The Ireland U18 sides that have competed in the tournament over the last number of years have a proud record in the competition, being finalists over the previous three seasons in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The 2011 side were crowned as European champions for the first time after beating England in the final and included current professional players Stuart Olding and recent Wolfhounds representative Robbie Henshaw.

Ireland will take on Georgia in the opening game on Friday 22nd March at 7.00pm.

Ireland U-18 Schools Squad to compete in the FIRA/AER Justin Bridou U18 European Championship:
Forwards (14):
Oisin Heffernan (CC Roscrea)
Michael Lagan (Methodist College)
Sean McNulty (Rockwell College)
Andrew Roche (Terenure College)
Oliver Jager (Blackrock College)
Jeremy Loughman (Blackrock College)
David O’Connor (Blackrock College)
Alexander Thompson (Methodist College)
James Ryan (St. Michael’s College)
Joshua Murphy (St. Michael's College)
Rory Moloney (CC Roscrea)
Patrick Thornton (Terenure College)
Nick Timoney (Blackrock College)
James Gallagher (Methodist College)

Backs (12):
Nick McCarthy (St. Michael's College)
Charlie Rock (Blackrock College)
Ross Byrne (St. Michael's College)
Ciaran Gaffney (CC Roscrea)
Matthew Gilsenan (St. Michael's College)
Greg O’Shea (Crescent Comprehensive)
Fergal Cleary (Clongowes Wood College)
Harrison Brewer (Terenure College)
Michael Courtney (CBC Monkstown)
Cormac Brennan (CC Roscrea)
Billy Dardis (Terenure College)
Jack Owens (Campbell College)

Management:
Coach - Noel McNamara
Manager - John McKinney
Backs Coach - Mark Butler
Forwards Coach - Brian Robinson
Baggage master - John Moran
Doctor - Prof. John Ryan
Video Analyst - Brett Igoe
Physiotherapist - David Lyons
Strength & Conditioning Coach - Chris Shields

Opening Ireland match:
Friday, 22nd March, K.O. 19.00hrs (local)
Ireland v Georgia
Match venue Name: Moirans (approx. 20kms from Grenoble town centre)

For further information on the tournament schedule go to www.fira-aer-rugby.com.

Ulster players named in Ireland Schools squad

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