MUNSTER S YOUNG TALENT IN U.19 IRB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SQUAD

The Irish U.19 World Championship squad are preparing for their first game against Georgia on Friday in the 2005 IRB U.19 World Championships being held in Durban, South Africa.

Included in the 26 strong squad are seven Munster players, who will be hoping to make the cut and make a big impression in the tournament. The Munster contingent includes prop Kevin Griffin, who plays for Kilfeacle and Shannon, and who is also currently in the Munster Front Row School. Joining him is Munster Academy member Gary Walsh, who props for UL Bohemian and is a sports science student. Another Munster Academy member on the squad is wing forward Barry O'Mahony, who shone in the Crescent College Comprehensive Senior Cup squad, and played for Irish School s team this season. UCC have three players on the squad, including ex-Presentation Brothers College star centre Evan Ryan, winger Eric Moloney and second row Fergal Walsh. Completing Munster s involvement is Frank Daly, winger for Thomond/Garryowen.

Disappointingly, back row Dave Sherry, captain of Ard Scoil Ris Senior Cup team, had to withdraw on Friday with a recurring leg injury. Another strong contender was UCC scrumhalf Duncan Williams, who also had to withdraw due to a serious groin injury. Sherry and Williams, both Munster Academy members, will be working hard to regain full fitness.

The Irish team will kick off their campaign on Friday when they meet Georgia, while they face tough opposition in their remaining Division One games with draws against hosts South Africa on Tuesday 5th April, and Australia on Saturday 9th April. Defending champions New Zealand open their campaign with a clash with Wales on Friday. Twenty four teams will compete between April 1st and April 17th with the best young talent and future stars from around the world being given a platform to perform on a world stage.