Under-19 World Cup:Ireland's opening challenge in the IRB Under-19 World Cup to be staged in Belfast next month will be their toughest. The squad, which finished fifth at the last tournament in Dubai, will go into their first match against current champions Australia with some serious fine-tuning to do.
While Ireland were winners of this competition in 1998 with Brian O'Driscoll and Donncha O'Callaghan two of the most famous graduates, this year's challenge for the squad announced yesterday is expected to be significantly greater as the world's best teams arrive between April 4th-21st.
Twenty four countries will battle it out in Belfast, while five of the St Michael's College team that won the Leinster Senior Cup last week will be at Ireland's core.
Loosehead prop Ian Leonard, number eight Patrick Mallon and openside flanker Rajan Riley along with centre Conor Cleary and winger Paddy Brophy are rewarded for their cup success.
UCD's Brian Cawley and captain Paul Ryan, who were part of Blackrock College's winning team last year, add experience to the side which faces the Wallabies on April 5th at Ravenhill.
"As always, there are some disappointed players, but the selections were difficult in many of the positions for the final squad,"said Irish coach Paddy McAleese.
"The pressures of also playing as tournament hosts will be a big part of our challenge, as will the top-class opponents we will be facing. It does not get much tougher then playing the defending champions in your opening game and Australia are always tremendously strong at this level."
Other players who have competed at this level have gone on to play Test rugby including Ireland's Andrew Trimble, Kiwis Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, Aussie captain George Gregan and team-mate Drew Mitchell, Frederick Michalak of France and South Africa's Percy Montgomery and Bryan Habana.
Ireland have won the trophy only once since it began in Barcelona in 1969 and featured just seven times.
"Playing at home will hopefully give the team an edge and we know the famous Irish, and especially Ulster, support will give us a great reception during all of our games," said Ryan.
"Playing Southern Hemisphere teams will be a new experience for the majority of the team and we know they will be physical in all aspects of their play.
"The chance to play at home in such a great tournament is great opportunity for myself and the squad, so we are really looking forward to the start of the competition."
Ireland Under-19 Squad
Forwards (14) - Brian Cawley (UCD), Stephen Douglas (Ballymena), Kieran Essex (Christian Brothers College, Cork/UCC), David Foley (UL Bohemians), Jason Harris-Wright (Blackrock College), l Karayianis (RBAI/Queen's), Ian Leonard (St Michael's College), Patrick Mallon (St Michael's College) P McCabe (Dublin University), Ian Nagle (Glenstal Abbey), Matthew Nelson (Ballynahinch), Rajan Riley (St Michael's College), Paul Ryan (capt, Blackrock College), Michael Sherry (Ard Scoil Rís/Garryowen).
Backs (12) - Paddy Brophy (St Michael's College), Conor Cleary (St Michael's College), Adam Craig (Instonians), Scott Deasy (Presentation Brothers College, Cork), Alan Gaughan (Buccaneers), Kris Greene (St Mary's College), Murray Kinsella (Newtown School), Niall Morris (Blackrock College), Harry McAleese (Ballynahinch RFC) Eoin O'Malley (UCD), Tommy Seymour (Down High School), Jamie Smith (Ballymena).
Coach - Charlie McAleese, Manager - Gerard Slattery, Assistant Coach - Bobby Byrne.
Pool A - Ireland v Australia, Ravenhill, Belfast, April 5th, 7.30; Ireland v Scotland, Ravenhill, April 9th, 7.30; Ireland v South Africa, Ravenhill, April 13th, 7.30.
