There’ll be local flags flying when Ireland’s U18 Clubs side take on Portugal in Lisbon this Saturday.
Tullow RFC’s Garrett Fitzgerald will start at number 9 while Kilkenny’s Conan Dunne has been named on the bench as part of former Springbok scrum-half Dan Van Zyl’s 23 man side.
Munster, Leinster and Exiles benefit contribute 6 players along with four from Connacht and one from Ulster. Young Munster’s Evan O’Gorman will lead the side out with Corinthians Cian Huxford named as captain.
Having met for camp at King’s Hospital over the bank holiday, the squad depart for Portugal tomorrow.
Kick off is 5pm this Saturday in Lisbon
Irish team to face Portugal (U18 Clubs)
15. Conor Hayes (Young Munster RFC)
14. Morgan Purcell (New Ross RFC)
13. Kieran Dunne (Sale Sharks Academy)
12. Evan O’Gorman (Young Munster RFC) **Captain**
11. Hugh Lane (Galwegians RFC)
10. Harry Byrne (Garryowen FC)
9. Garrett Fitzgerald (Tullow RFC)
1. Jack Walters (London Irish RFC)
2. Patrick Nixon (Wicklow RFC)
3. Jack McIntosh (Rainey Old Boys)
4. Niall Murray (Buccaneers RFC)
5. Cameron Boon (Welwyn RC)
6. Cian Huxford (Corinthians RFC) **Vice-Captain**
7. Conor Finch (Welwyn RC)
8. John Hodnett (Clonakilty RFC)
Subs
16. Harry Donnelly (Waterpark RFC)
17. Daniel Arnold (Creggs RFC)
18. Conan Dunne (Kilkenny RFC)
19. Evan Murphy (Nenagh Ormond RFC)
20. Martin Moloney (Athy RFC)
21. Caolan Englefield (Harlequins RFC)
22. Iwan Hughes (Bristol Rugby)
23. Darragh Kelly (Suttonians RFC)