The IRFU today announced the squads, sponsored by PwC, who will be representing Ireland in the U20 tournaments this summer.
Neil Doak’s men’s side head to Italy for the U20 World Championships with 30 players named in the squad.
Seven Munster Rugby Academy players are included: Michael Foy, Conor Kennelly, Oisín Minogue, Luke Murphy, Gene O'Leary Kareem, Eoghan Smyth and Tom Wood.
Connacht’s Éanna McCarthy will again lead the side in this tournament.
Doak says: “It’s been a challenging season, but this group has shown resilience and real character. We know the competition at the World Championships will be fierce, but these experiences have made us stronger. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to test ourselves on the world stage.”
Head Coach of the Ireland U20’s Women, Niamh Briggs has named a 35 person squad for the 2025 Summer Series taking place in Wales. The series returns for a second year, offering the future stars of Women’s rugby the opportunity to gain important experience on the international stage, and a new step on the development pathway towards the elite game.
Nine Munster players are included: Grainne Burke, Beth Buttimer, Saoirse Crowe, Sally Kelly, Lily Morris, Aoibhe O'Flynn, Lyndsay Clarke, Caitriona Finn and Lucia Linn.
11 players return to the squad having taken part in the inaugural Summer Series last year and Wicklow’s Jane Neill captains the side again.
Speaking about the series Briggs says; “This competition represents a significant step in our player development pathway. It provides a valuable opportunity for young athletes to challenge themselves against top-level opposition, experience the demands of an international environment, and continue their progression toward senior rugby.”
The Ireland Men’s and Women’s U20 teams are sponsored again by PwC, a longstanding partner of Irish Rugby.
Speaking at the squad announcement, Marie Coady, Markets Partner, PwC Ireland said: "We are proud to continue our support of the Ireland U20 Men’s and Women’s teams as they embark on another exciting summer of international rugby. At PwC, we believe in the power of sport to inspire and build resilience, and it is a privilege to support the next generation of Irish rugby talent. PwC is proud to contribute to a pathway that helps young people achieve their sporting potential."
IRFU Declan Madden also adds: “The IRFU is hugely grateful for the incredible support shown by PwC for the Ireland age grade teams over the past 20 years. Their sponsorship of both the Men’s and Women’s U20 teams has played a vital role in the development of our young athletes—not only supporting them on the pitch but also in their personal growth. On behalf of the IRFU I would like to wish the players and management of both squads all the best for their respective tournaments. Representing your country is the ultimate honour and we have no doubt you will do us all proud.”
Academy
Ireland Men’s & Women’s U20 Squads Announced
18th June 2025
