Six of Munster's most promising young talents are in Argentina with the Ireland U21 squad, preparing for their first game in the U21 World Cup against France on Thursday. With four of the six players coming from Garryowen FC, the remaining two players are from UCC. Forwards Anthony Kavanagh and Mark Melbourne are joined by club mates Conan Doyle at out half and scrum half Gerry Hurley, with winger Paul Hurley and back row player Ross Noonan from UCC completing the Munster involvement. Kavanagh, Melbourne, Doyle and Noonan are all members of the Munster Academy, with Gerry Hurley and Paul Hurley due to join the Academy shortly.

Finishing in second place in last year s tournament, this year s squad, under Mark McDermott, begin their IRB World Cup campaign in Mendoza, Argentina on Thursday at 7pm Irish time, facing France in what promises to be a tough opening tie.

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), Anthony 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

IRB UNDER-21 WORLD CUP: Mendoza, Argentina Ireland fixtures: (all kick-offs Irish time (Argentina -4 hours)) 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