Injured Johnston Is Replaced By Connon

Ireland Under-20 out-half Bill Johnston suffered a shoulder injury in yesterday’s outstanding victory over New Zealand at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Manchester.

The injury will unfortunately rule Bill Johnston out for the remainder of the tournament. The Munster Academy player, who was forced off in the first half, had kicked 10 points against the Baby Blacks to add to his 11-point tally from the Wales game.

Brett Connon of the Newcastle Falcons has been called into the Irish squad as his replacement. Connon made two starts and three appearances off the bench during the U-20 RBS 6 Nations earlier this year, including a 14-point contribution in the home win over Italy.

Meanwhile, four Ireland U-20 players made the cut as part of the World Rugby U-20 Dream Team for round 2. Lynchpin lock and captain James Ryan was selected along with winger Hugo Keenan and front rowers Andrew Porter and Adam McBurney.

Nigel Carolan’s youngsters will complete their Pool A campaign against bottom side Georgia at the Manchester City Academy Stadium on Wednesday (kick-off 5.30pm – live on TG4/Sky Sports 4 HD).