Bok slayers in Emerging Ireland squad for South African tour

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Simon Easterby has named a 33-player Emerging Ireland squad for the upcoming three-match tour to South Africa.

Easterby has identified high potential players from across the four provinces to assemble for camp at the IRFU High Performance Centre next week, before departing for Bloemfontein on Saturday, September 28.

Munster’s Alex Kendellen, who previously captained Ireland Under-20, has been named as captain.

Two players who were part of Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad for the recent mid-year tour of South Africa – Sam Prendergast and Cormac Izuchukwu – are included in the travelling party.

Former Ireland U20 captains Gus McCarthy and Evan O’Connell were also named by Easterby.

Ulster forward Izuchukwu is one of two players set for their second Emerging Ireland tour alongside Leinster back row James Culhane.

Emerging Ireland will face the Pumas in their campaign opener on Wednesday, October 2, before going head-to-head with Super Rugby outfit Western Force on Sunday, October 6.

Easterby’s side will then conclude the trip against the Cheetahs on Wednesday, October 9.

The Tour schedule is designed to challenge the players in a national team environment, providing them with a window to impress the coaches and train and play to the national team’s tactical and technical approach, while presenting them with access to meaningful game time in a green jersey.

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Emerging Ireland squad

Forwards: Jack Aungier, Jack Boyle, James Culhane, Jordan Duggan, Sean Edogbo, Ronan Foxe, Cormac Izuchukwu, Sean Jansen, Alex Kendellen (captain), Gus McCarthy, Darragh Murray, Evan O’Connell, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Danny Sheahan, Harry Sheridan, Stephen Smyth, Alex Soroka, Scott Wilson.

Backs: Shayne Bolton, Hugh Cooney, Ethan Coughlan, Matthew Devine, Cormac Foley, Hugh Gavin, Jack Murphy, Tommy O’Brien, Sean O’Brien, Ben O’Connor, Andrew Osborne, Jude Postlethwaite, Sam Prendergast, Rob Russell, Zac Ward.

Emerging Ireland Tour fixtures:

Wednesday, October 2: Emerging Ireland v Pumas (Kick-off: 16.00; 15.00 Irish time)
Sunday, October 6: Emerging Ireland v Western Force (13.00; 12.00 Irish time)
Wednesday, October 9: Emerging Ireland v Cheetah (19.00; 18.00 Irish time)