Also included in the 24 strong squad are Dominic and Rhys Ruddock, sons of Mike and Bernie Ruddock, who play their rugby in Wales with Neath. Ruddock, the current Worcester coach led Wales to the Grand Slam and was also in charge in Leinster before returning to his native land.

David Kearney, Eamonn Sheridan, Ian Madigan and Queens University student James Sandford remain from last year's squad. The starting XV and replacements for next Friday's opening clash with France in Athlone's  Dubarry Park (7.30pm) will be announced on Wednesday.

Ireland U20 Squad v France U20:

Backs:
Andrew Burke (Garryowen/Munster), John Cooney (UCD/Leinster), Gary Foley (Blackrock College/Leinster), David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster), Michael Keating (Clontarf/Leinster), Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster), Ian McKinley (UCD/Leinster)
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster), John O'Brien (Buccaneers/Connacht), Ronan O'Mahony (Garryowen/Munster), Eamonn Sheridan (Lansdowne/Leinster)

Forwards:
Mark Flanagan (UCD/Leinster), Adam Macklin (Ulster), Michael Noone (Seapoint & Lansdowne/Leinster), Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster), Paddy McAllister (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Jack McConnell (Lansdowne/Leinster), David McGregor (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Jack McGrath (St. Marys College/Leinster), Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Ciaran Ruddock (Neath)
Rhys Ruddock (Neath), James Sandford (Queens University/Ulster), Thomas Sexton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)