Evan O’Connell is set to lead the Ireland U20s as captain in their inaugural U20 Six Nations clash against France in Aix-en-Provence this Saturday night. O’Connell, nephew of Irish rugby legend Paul O’Connell, will guide the team from the second row. He is one of five players in the starting XV who played a crucial role in last year’s Grand Slam victory.
The Ireland lineup features Hugh Gavin in the center, Danny Sheahan as the hooker, and O’Connell in the second row, alongside Joe Hopes and Brian Gleeson in the back row. The back three comprise Ben O’Connor, Finn Treacy, and Hugo McLaughlin, with Wilhelm de Klerk partnering Gavin in the midfield.
The half-back pairing consists of Oliver Coffey and Jack Murphy. The forward pack includes Alex Usanov and Andrew Sparrow on either side of Sheahan, with Alan Spicer and skipper O’Connell forming the second row. Hopes plays at blindside flanker, Bryn Ward at openside, and Gleeson at number eight.
Ireland’s head coach, Richie Murphy, has a formidable set of options on the bench, with Henry Walker, Ben Howard, Jacob Boyd, Billy Corrigan, and Luke Murphy providing front-row reinforcements. The back replacements are Tadhg Brophy, Sean Naughton, and Ethan Graham, completing the 23-man squad.
In summary, Evan O’Connell will lead a strong Ireland U20s team against France, with notable players from the previous Grand Slam-winning campaign featuring prominently in the starting lineup and on the bench.