Moloney in ireland team as athlone prepares to host french clash

 

Buccaneers player Rory Moloney has retained his place in the Ireland U-20 team for the Six Nations clash against France in Athlone tonight (Friday, 7.05pm).

Moloney and fellow Buccs player Cian Romaine were among the try scorers in Ireland’s resounding 47-15 victory over Italy in Biella last Friday night.

While Moloney has been selected at openside flanker, Romaine has been named among the replacements for the clash against reigning champions France.

The Irish team shows two changes from the Italian match. Stephen Fitzgerald is named on the left wing, replacing Greg O'Shea, who picked up an injury during the Italian game, while Sam Arnold has been drafted in to partner Garry Ringrose in the centre, with Fergal Cleary named among the replacements. 

Kick-off for this Electric Ireland sponsored match at Dubarry Park is 7.05pm, but supporters are urged to come along early to savour the special big match atmosphere and enjoy the pre-match fireworks!

Speaking about the clash with France, which will be broadcast live on RTÉ Two, Ireland head coach Nigel Carolan said: 'It was great to get the tournament off to a winning start. We are looking forward to playing the French side at home. The guys have been working very hard, but we have no doubt we have a tough battle on our hands against a strong, physical side.'

Match tickets can be bought by calling into the Buccaneers RFC office at Dubarry Park or at The Bounty. Stand tickets are virtually sold out but tickets will be on sale at the turnstiles on match night. There has been exceptional demand for the pre-match function and it is totally sold out.

Ticket prices - Stand €20; Ground/Terrace €15; OAP/Student €10; Family €30 (admits 2 adults and 2 children to terrace). Contact details are: 086 1732711 or email rugby@dubarrypark.com

Concession vouchers for Under-16s are available to schools and clubs in the region. Primary school children will be admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult, while secondary school children get in for half-price: €5.

Present your voucher at the ticket box and you could win an Ireland jersey signed by Robbie Henshaw! The winner's name will be drawn at half-time. If your school or club wishes to get a supply of the concession vouchers, contact Geraldine at 0861732711.

Ireland U-20 Team & Replacements v France

15. Billy Dardis (UCD/Leinster)
14. Jack Owens (Queen's University Belfast/Ulster)
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)
12. Sam Arnold (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
11. Stephen Fitzgerald (Shannon/Munster)
10. Ross Byrne (UCD/Leinster)
9. Nick McCarthy (UCD/Leinster) (capt.)
1. Jeremy Loughman (UCD/Leinster)
2. Zack McCall (Queen's University Belfast/Ulster)
3. Oisin Heffernan (Terenure College/Leinster)
4. David O'Connor (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
5. Alex Thompson (Queen's University Belfast/Ulster)
6. Josh Murphy (UCD/Leinster)
7. Rory Moloney (Buccaneers/Connacht)
8. Lorcan Dow (Queen's University Belfast/Ulster)

Replacements:

16. Adam McBurney (Ballymena/Ulster)
17. Michael Lagan (Ballymena/Ulster)
18. Conan O'Donnell (Sligo/NUIG/Connacht)
19. Cian Romaine (Buccaneers/Connacht)
20. Nick Timoney (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
21. Jack Cullen (Shannon/Munster)
22. Joey Carbery (UCD/Leinster)
23. Fergal Cleary (Lansdowne/Leinster)