Keeshan and O’Leary Promoted

Barry Keeshan and David O’Leary, replacements in the two games the Ireland U21s have played so far, are named in the U21 starting line-up for the game against England.

Cork Constitution’s Barry Keeshan and David O’Leary from UCC, replacements in the two games the Ireland U21s have played so far, are named in the U21 starting line-up for the game against England in Donnybrook on Friday (4pm).

Keeshan replaces Gareth Steenson who captained the side against Italy, and most recently, in the 16-8 defeat to the Scots, while O’Leary comes in for Cillian Willis. Neither Steenson or Willis are available, as the former is injured and the latter suspended and the captain’s armband will now be worn by Northampton flanker Brett MacNamee.

Ireland Under 21. 15 – Mark Kettyle (Belfast Harlequins) 14 – Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins) 13 – Andrew Trimble (Ballymena) 12 – Greg Stafford (UCD) 11 – Paul McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins) 10 – Barry Keeshan (Cork Constitution) 9 – David O’Leary (UCC) 1 – Michael Diffley (Buccaneers) 2 – Stuart Philpott (Saracens) 3 – John Andress (Belfast Harlequins) 4 – Lewis Stevenson (Belfast Harlequins) 5 – Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon) 6 – Brett McNamee (Northampton) – Captain 7 – Oisin Hennessy (Dungannon) 8 – Stephen Ferris (Dungannon) Replacements: 16 – Joseph Merrigan (Corinthians) 17 – Eamonn Bracken (Buccaneers) 18 – Mark Melbourne (Garryowen) 19 – Chris Henry (Malone) 20 – Paul Marshall (Ballynahinch) 21 – Jonathan Sexton (St. Marys College) 22 – Kieran Geraghty (London Irish)