Croke-Captained Irish To Take On English Universities
UCD flanker Kevin Croke will skipper the Irish Universities XV when they line out against the English Universities in a one-off international at Belfield on Friday (kick-off 2.30pm).
The 24-year-old Croke, who has represented Ireland at Under-19 and Club International level, will lead a squad that includes Munster out-half Jeremy Manning, who is studying at UCC, as its most high-profile member.
There are seven players included from UCC, six representatives from Trinity, four from UCD, five from UL and two from Queen’s University.
The management team is led by Trinity duo Tony Smeeth and Hugh Maguire, while former Ulster and Ireland ‘A’ scrum half Neil Doak is also on board.
IRISH UNIVERSITIES SQUAD (v English Universities, Friday, March 9, Belfield Bowl, kick-off 2.30pm):
Backs (11) – Ian Hanley (UL), Michael Hastings (UCD), Vasily Artemiev (UCD), Michael Barker (Queen’s), Fergus McFadden (UCD), Conor Donohue (Trinity), Alex Kelleher (UCC), Johnny Watt (Trinity), Jeremy Manning (UCC), Sam Cronin (UCC), Joey Burns (Trinity)
Forwards (13) – Graham Murphy (Trinity), Richard Carleton (Queen’s), Richard Feeney (UL), Gary Walsh (UL), Michael Essex (UCC), Ben Cunningham (Trinity), Chris Kennefeck (UCC), Ryan Hartigan (UL), Brian Madigan (UL), Shane Young (Trinity), Barry O’Mahony (UCC), Kevin Croke (UCD) (capt), Billy Holland (UCC)
Management: Tony Smeeth (Trinity), Hugh Maguire (Trinity), Neil Doak (Queens), Dave Ukich (Physio), Jim Flynn (manager/bag)