Categories: Exiles Provincial The IRFU

Young Exiles In Search Of Caps

This coming weekend is a big weekend for Ireland U18, U19, and U20s and for Exiles who aspire to play for the respective teams.

The U20s play Scotland at The Falkirk Stadium on Friday evening at 7.30 p.m., looking to progress towards the Grand Slam. Loose-head David Millard of NEC Harlequins (capped against Wales) will be looking to make the match squad, while lock Peter Browne – having been named in the 25-man squad – will be hoping to aspire to his first cap. Peter is currently studying at, and playing for, Durham University, as well as being a regular member of the Newcastle Falcons Guinness A League team. Peter has come through the Exiles U18, 19 & 21 ranks.

At U19 level, there is a training weekend in Dublin, in preparation for the Italy game the following weekend – the last international before the U19 Rugby World Cup in Belfast. Full-back Matt O’Regan (Northampton Saints) will be hoping to build on his first cap v. Wales last month.

The U18 Clubs take on Scotland at Glasgow Academicals ground on Sunday morning at 10.00 a.m. (no, that is not a misprint). This is also a critical game as it the last before the FIRA U18 European Championships at Easter-time.

The Exiles are honoured by having more players in the squad than any home province. They are: Joe MacManus (2; London Irish), Charlie Armstrong (4; Penzance), Sean Dougall (6; Newcastle Falcons), Seamus McKimm (8; RGS High Wycombe), Charlie Mulchrone (9; St. Ambrose College), Elliott O’Brien (10; London Wasps), & Matt Keville (12; Richmond). Charlie Mulchrone is the one newcomer to the squad, having been one of the three Exiles who were key to St. Ambrose’s highly successful and unbeaten season.