Connacht back row Éanna McCarthy has been confirmed as captain for the Ireland Under-20s, as head coach Neil Doak named a 31-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations Championship.
Cork-born McCarthy, who joined Connacht's academy this season, is set to lead the side in his hometown when they take on England in their opening game on Thursday, 30 January at Virgin Media Park.
Doak has included six returning players who were involved in last year's Six Nations campaign and World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.
Alex Usanov, Alan Spicer, Mikey Yarr, Billy Corrigan and Henry Walker all link up with the U20s for the second year in a row, while scrum-half Will Wootton also previously featured for Ireland U20s during the 2024 season. Wootton is the younger brother of former Ireland, Munster and Connacht wing Alex.
Doak’s side have been building for the Six Nations at the IRFU high performance facility in recent weeks, defeating Italy in a warm-up game at St Mary's College RFC, while also taking on a Leinster Development team.
"We have been working hard for a number of weeks and it’s an exciting time for these young players, who have the honour of representing the wider group in the Six Nations," Doak said.
"We, as coaches, have pushed the players over the last number of months and I have been impressed by their work-rate, commitment, and application. Now our focus turns to performance and the opening game against England, which we know will be a big challenge first up.
"We are looking forward to the opportunities over the coming weeks and are excited by the prospect of an Ireland U20s team returning to Six Nations action at Virgin Media Park in Cork, where we always have huge support."
Ireland Men's U20s Squad:
Forwards (17):
Billy Bohan (Corinthians RFC/Connacht Rugby), Billy Corrigan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster Rugby), Michael Foy (UCC RFC/Munster Rugby), Conor Kennelly (Highfield RFC/Munster Rugby), Connor Magee (Banbridge RFC/Ulster Rugby), Tom McAllister (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster Rugby), Éanna McCarthy (Galwegians RFC/Connacht Rugby), Alex Mullan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster Rugby), Aaron O'Brien (St Mary's College RFC/Leinster Rugby), Bobby Power (Galwegians RFC/Connacht Rugby), Mahon Ronan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster Rugby), Alan Spicer (UCD RFC/Leinster Rugby), Alex Usanov (Clontarf RFC/Leinster Rugby), Henry Walker (Queen's University Belfast RFC/Ulster Rugby), David Walsh (Terenure College RFC/Leinster Rugby), Adam Watchorn (Kilkenny College/Leinster Rugby), Mikey Yarr (UCD RFC/Leinster Rugby)
Backs (14):
Andrew Doyle (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster Rugby), Connor Fahy (Clontarf FC/Leinster Rugby), Paidi Farrell (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster Rugby), Daniel Green (Queen's University RFC/Ulster Rugby), Dylan Hicks (Garryowen FC/Munster Rugby) Gene O'Leary Kareem (UCC FC/Munster Rugby), Clark Logan (Queen's University Belfast RFC/Ulster Rugby), Ciaran Mangan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster Rugby) Derry Moloney (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster Rugby), Charlie Molony (UCD RFC/Leinster Rugby) Andre Ryan (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster Rugby), Eoghan Smyth (Cork Constitution FC/Munster Rugby) Sam Wisniewski (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster Rugby), Will Wootton (Sale Sharks/IQ Rugby).
