Six Munster Club Players Named in Ireland Club XV Training Squad

Ahead of their match against Scotland Clubs in Energia Park this February, the Ireland Club XV training squad (sponsored by Energia) has been announced. Having played Portugal ‘A’ in each of the last two seasons, the Ireland Club XV now return to play against the same team they faced in the inaugural Irish Clubs XV fixture, almost 20 years ago.

The Ireland Club XV team comprises of some of the most exciting players currently competing in the Energia All-Ireland League, and will play for the Dalriada Cup once again – which captained by Young Munsters Alan Kennedy, was last played for, and won by the Irish Clubs side in 2020.

The Ireland Club XV will face Scotland Clubs on Friday, 13 February at Energia Park, with a 6pm kick-off. The match will be live streamed on Irish Rugby’s streaming platform, IrishRugby+.

Head coach Adam Craig has selected a 28-player training squad, with players drawn from 10 clubs across the 1A and 1B divisions of the Energia All-Ireland League. The squad includes some of the most in form players in the Energia AIL at present, with 13 players in the squad who also played against Portugal A, last time out. Last year’s successful captain Jack Kelleher of Cork Constitution has also been included in the 2026 squad.

The Club XV squad will assemble for two training camps in January and February at the IRFU High Performance Centre as preparations continue for the February 13 encounter with Scotland Clubs.

Head Coach Adam Craig on the Ireland Club XV squad announcement, said,

“I am honoured to be back coaching the Club XV this season and to once again work with a talented group of players drawn from across the Energia All-Ireland League. The Club XV represents the very best of Irish club rugby, and we are looking forward to seeing that quality, commitment and pride on show in the green jersey.”

“The Energia All-Ireland League is the heartbeat of the domestic game, producing outstanding players year after year, and it is a privilege for these players to represent their clubs, teammates and communities on the international stage. I am excited to return to the role and to lead this group as they prepare for the challenges ahead.”

“With Scotland’s leading clubs coming to Energia Park, we are especially looking forward to testing ourselves on home soil and showcasing the strength of Irish club rugby.”

2026 Ireland Club XV Training Squad:

David Begley – Young Munster RFC
Tadhg Bird – Clontarf FC
Myles Carey – St. Marys College RFC
Aran Egan – Terenure College RFC
Sean French – Cork Constitution FC
Fionn Gilbert – Clontarf FC
Hubert Gilvarry – Young Munster RFC
Marcus Hanan – Terenure College RFC
Jack Kelleher – Cork Constitution FC
Conor Kelly – Clontarf FC
Adam LaGrue – Terenure College RFC
Tom Larke – Old Wesley RFC
Bradley Luney – Ballynahinch RFC
Adam Maher – Cork Constitution FC
Luke Masters – Cork Constitution FC
Jack Matthews – Lansdowne FC
Will McDonald – Old Belvedere RFC
Clayton Milligan – Ballynahinch RFC
Tom O’Reilly – St. Marys College RFC
Sam Owens – Clontarf FC
Conor Rankin – Ballynahinch RFC
Sean Rigney – Terenure College RFC
Max Russell – Terenure College RFC
Aaron Sexton – Ballynahinch RFC
Bobby Sheehan – Lansdowne FC
Adam Tuite – Terenure College RFC
Ronan Watters – St. Marys College RFC
David Whitten – Instonians RFC

Ireland Club XV Coaching & Management Team:

Head Coach: Adam Craig
Lineout Coach: Emmet MacMahon
Scrum & Defence Coach: Ger Slattery
Athletic Performance Coach: Mark Synnott
Video Analyst: Michael Harding
Physiotherapist: Patrick Gillman
Team Doctor: Billy Twomey
Team Manager: Mark Hamilton
Baggage Master: Matthew Irvine