‘A’ Squad Named For Churchill Cup

The Ireland ‘A’ squad that will take part in the 2007 Barclays Churchill Cup in England at the end of May contains three full internationals and two members of the Under-20 Grand Slam-winning side.

The team will be coached by Connacht’s Michael Bradley with Ulster’s Allen Clarke as his assistant, and will play three matches during the tournament, kicking off against Canada on May 19. The squad will be captained by Connacht hooker John Fogarty.

Bradley, who guided Ireland to the Plate title at the 2006 Churchill Cup, said: “Last year’s tournament was an excellent experience for the players. Three tough games in an intense period makes it a steep learning curve, but we came out of last year’s tournament with three good performances.

“This year’s squad has less experience, so we will be looking to the senior players to provide the leadership. Canada and the New Zealand Maori again offer international class opposition and I think the tournament plays an important role in developing the players’ experience at this level.”

IRELAND ‘A’ Squad (2007 Barclays Churchill Cup) –

Forwards (15):

Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon/Ulster)
Sean Cronin (Shannon/Munster)
Andrew Farley (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
John Fogarty (Buccaneers/Connacht) (capt)
David Gannon (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Ray Hogan (Galwegians/Connacht)
Stephen Keogh (Shannon/Leinster)
John Lyne (Lansdowne/Leinster)
John Muldoon (Galwegians/Connacht)
*Johnny O’Connor (Wasps)
John O’Sullivan (Garryowen/Munster)
Michael Ross (NEC Harlequins)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
*Roger Wilson (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)

Backs (13):

Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)
*Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
John Hearty (Galwegians/Connacht)
Ian Humphreys (Leicester)
Chris Keane (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Seamus Mallon (Northampton)
Frank Murphy (Leicester)
Johnny Murphy (Leicester)
Paul McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Fergus McFadden (UCD/Leinster)
Daniel Riordan (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)

Not considered:

Bryn Cunningham (Dungannon/Ulster)
Darragh Hurley (UCC/Munster)
Matt Lacey (Galwegians/Connacht)
Ronnie McCormack (UCD/Leinster)
Eugene McGovern (Garryowen/Munster)
Matt McCullough (Ballymena/Ulster)
Conor O’Loughlin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Brian O’Riordan (Bristol)
Donncha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Cillian Willis (UCD/Leinster)

N.B. * Capped at full international level

Tour Management –

Michael Bradley (Coach)
Allen Clarke (Assistant Coach)
Joey Miles (Manager)
George Murray (Video Analysis)
Simon Harland (Physiotherapist)
Des Ryan (Fitness Advisor)

IRELAND ‘A’ MATCH SCHEDULE –

Saturday, May 19 – IRELAND ‘A’ v Canada, Sandy Park, Exeter, 8pm

Tuesday, May 29 – New Zealand Maori v IRELAND ‘A’, Sandy Park, Exeter, 8pm

Saturday, June 2 – Barclays Churchill Cup Finals Day, Twickenham Stadium (match schedule tbc)

Ticket information is available on the tournament website – www.barclayschurchillcuprugby.com