MIKE RUDDOCK HAS named a provisional 23-man squad for the Ireland U20 team’s upcoming Six Nations games.
Of the players named in the squad, only Luke McGrath, Stuart Olding and Josh Van der Flier have played for the side before, while former Cork GAA hurler Darren Sweetnam is included for the first time.
The starting XV to play Wales this Friday at Parc Eirias will be named later in the week.
The Squad in full:
John Andrew, Jake Caulfield, John Creighton, Steve Crosbie, Thomas Daly, John Donnan, Peter Dooley, Conor Joyce, Sean McCarthy, Luke McGratham, George McGuigan, Ryan Murphy, Stuart Olding, Alexander O’Meara, David Panther, Rory Scannell, Rory Scholes, Brian Scott, Darren Sweetnam, Christopher Taylor, Gavin Thornbury, Peadar Timmins, Josh Van Der Flier.
In pictures: Ireland’s 6 Nations hopefuls gear up for Wales trip>
6 Nations: Wales return to the ‘evil sauna’ as they look to freeze Ireland out>
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Hooper is somewhat of an anomaly in that he’s a world class 7 that’s basically never been injured for any notable length of time. Not even 29 and nearly a test centurion. Remarkable when you consider how brutal the game is physically these days.
Hopefully, someone will pick up the broadcast rights over here. The quality in the Top League has been “mixed” in recent years with some big name players on the downswing of their careers chasing a last big payday but there seems to be a real uptick in the quality of players & coaches heading there for next season, so it could make for interesting viewing.
@Del McG: yuuuuuuuppppaaaaa
Why, what is the point of playing in Japan. Its understandable in your mid 30s at the end of your career but in his prime why wouldn’t he move to England or France. Probably get the same money and will play a very competitive level of rugby, rather than just collect a pay check and play in a mickey mouse league
@s mc: you answered your own question there chief
@s mc: Big bucks, not as far from home, can basically stay match fit for a return to Super Rugby and the Wallabies when this passes. Will likely get a big contract in France for a couple of years when he calls it quits on his Wallaby career if he still wants to play at a high level.
@s mc: Even though he has had a break, in Japan he can earn the same money as he would in England and France, and its a lot easier on his body. Who wouldn’t take the easier money?
@Kingshu: I would rather look back on career and have won another meaningful tournament than protecting myself.
@s mc: It may beca longer career to look back on, by taking the Japan option
@s mc: Lad, it’s not that hard. He’s not retiring. He’ll be closer to 29 than 30 when this finishes. Consider it a gap year type arrangement. Still opportunities to win trophies but he’s filling the rugby career dead space with a bit of pick up ball that he gets paid really well for. He’ll do the 6 months, pocket a pay check and slot back in as a world class operator with 4-5 years at the top left in him when it’s done. It’s the smart decision for a guy who’s been playing elite back row rugby for 11 years already.
@s mc: yes