THE IRELAND WOLFHOUNDS played their first game under that name in November 2009 but, in the three and a half years since, over 20 players have taken the step up to win senior caps.
The Wolfhounds will face an England Saxons side, on Friday, filled with Aviva Premiership stars. Will Fraser, Jordan Crane and George Ford are among a swathe of Saxons that will harbour ambitions of playing for their country on home soil in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The Irish team has an exciting batch of young players such as Rob Henshaw, Dave McSharry and Iain Henderson, who will hope to be established in the senior team by the time the World Cup rolls around.
Here are six players that should inspire them to do great deeds at the Sportsground on Friday evening: