Ireland name a host of new faces in exciting ‘A’ squad for England clash

Some serious young talent involved

Head coach Mike Prendergast has named a 29-man squad, with just six capped players - Oli Jager, Harry Byrne, Tom O'Toole, Max Deegan, Fineen Wycherley, and Shane Daly.

Deegan captains the side.

Interestingly, out-half Harry Byrne makes the cut, despite being on load in the Premiership with Bristol Bears.

Ireland squad regular Tom O'Toole is also back after seeing out his six-match suspension, while 27-year-old Fineen Wycherley is back in the fold.

Some of the most talented players from Ireland's hugely successful U20s teams from the past two seasons having brought in, with the likes Brian Gleeson, Evan O'Connell, Ben O'Connor, Hugh Gavin, and Paddy McCarthy.

The squad breaks down as follows: 11 Leinster, 8 Munster, 7 Connacht, 3 Ulster.

Ireland 'A' squad taken from Irish Rugby's home site:

Forwards (16):

Backs (13):

Ireland ‘A’ Management:

Mike Prendergast (Head Coach/Attack Coach)
Jimmy Duffy (Forwards)
Sean O’Brien (Defence)
Mark Sexton (Backs/Assistant Attack Coach)
Colm Tucker (Scrum/Breakdown).

Prendergast said: "I am hugely excited to work with such a talented group of players and coaches and we’re all looking forward to the opportunity to represent our country in Bristol this weekend. The squad will assemble on Monday and we’ll need to hit the ground running to ensure that everyone is up to speed.

“Sunday’s game presents a huge opportunity against what will be a well-drilled England side who boast a lot of Premiership experience in their ranks. It is a task that we will approach with a positive frame of mind.”