Diffley Forced Out Of Ireland Under-21 Squad

Injury has forced Buccaneers prop Michael Diffley to withdraw from the Ireland squad due to travel to the IRB Under-21 World Cup in Argentina on Saturday.

The Roscommon-born forward’s place has gone to Clontarf front rower Robert Sweeney, a member of the Leinster Development squad.

Sweeney was a member of the Ireland squad that travelled to France in 2003 for the IRB Under-19 World Cup.

Jonathan Sexton is also included in coach Mark McDermott’s set of backs.

The Irish, who grabbed an excellent second place at last year’s tournament, play their opening 2005 match against France in Chacras R.C. on Thursday, June 9 at 7.00pm (Irish time).

The competition – which runs from June 9 to 25 – will take place at five venues throughout Argentina’s Mendoza region, namely Liceo, Chacras, Maristas, Mendoza and the M. Argentinas Stadium.

The Ireland Under-21 squad to take part in the IRB Under-21 World Cup in Argentina is as follows:

Forwards: John Andress (Belfast Harlequins), Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon), Stephen Ferris (Dungannon), Chris Henry (Malone), Anthnony Kavanagh (Garryowen), Ronan Loughney (Galwegians), Gary Maxwell (Dungannon), Kevin McLaughlin (UCD), Mark Melbourne (Garryowen), Joseph Merrigan (Corinthians), Ross Noonan (UCC), Stuart Philpott (Saracens), Trevor Richardson (Buccaneers), Robert Sweeney (Clontarf).

Backs: Conan Doyle (Garryowen), Gerry Hurley (Garryowen), Paul Hurley (UCC), Mark Kettyle (Belfast Harlequins), Ross McCarron (UCD), Paul McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins), Daniel Riordan (Corinthians), Jonathon Sexton (St Mary’s College), Greg Stafford (Lansdowne), Gareth Steenson (Dungannon) (Capt), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena), Cillian Willis (UCD).

Management:

Coach: Mark McDermott
Assistant Coach: Niall Malone

Manager: David Haslett
Doctor: Eanna Falvey
Physiotherapist: Tara O’Meara
Masseur: Regina Flanagan
Fitness Advisor: Brad Harrington
Technical Advisor: Nigel Carolan
Video Analyst: George Murray
Baggage Master: John O’Hagan

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IRB Under-21 World Cup: Ireland Schedule:

Thursday, June 9: Ireland U-21 v France U-21, Chacras RC, 7.00pm

Monday, June 13: Ireland U-21 v Samoa U-21, Maristas RC, 7.00pm

Friday, June 17: Ireland U-21 v South Africa U-21, Liceo RC, 7.00pm

Seedings (1-12):

New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Wales, France, England, Argentina, Scotland, Italy, Samoa, Canada