Rugby
Former Shimlas star named in emerging Ireland squad─── MORGAN PIEK 07:40 Thu, 19 Sep 2024
“It’s a short period and it’ll be a challenge for them and us as coaches, but one that we’re really excited about. If we can produce the type of players we got last time, then we’ll be more than happy.”
The 33-man Emerging Ireland squad has been named for their tour to South Africa where they will be playing in the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein.
The team that will be coached by Nick Easterby will tackle the Pumas, Western Force, and the Toyota Cheetahs.
A notable inclusion in the Emerging Irish squad is the former University of the Free State and Free State U21 centre, Shayne Bolton, who qualifies to play for Ireland through ancestry. The 24-year-old, who was born and raised in Pretoria, was on the brink of being signed by the Cheetahs, but he instead opted to go play his rugby for Connacht in Galway.
Shayne Bolton. Photo: X
Alex Kendellen of Munster, who previously captained Ireland U20’s, will have the leadership role for the tour this year.
Sam Prendergast and Cormac Izuchukwu were a part of the senior Ireland squad for the two-Test series against the Springboks earlier in the year, which played out to a 1-1 draw. Izuchukwu as well as James Culhane are both heading to Bloemfontein for a second time after being a part of the squad for the 2022 Toyota Challenge.
Easterby said their previous trip to the Free State was hugely successful and this is the goal for this year as well, as they build on their depth.
“To get to know the players, to get to work with them up close and personal was a real valuable exercise in 2022,” said Easterby, who will take the reins of the senior team when Andy Farrell coaches the British & Irish Lions.
“That’s exactly what we hope this trip will be as well. It’s a short period and it’ll be a challenge for them and us as coaches, but one that we’re really excited about.
“If we can produce this type of players that we got last time, then we’ll be more than happy.
Emerging Ireland will kick off their tour against the Pumas on 2 October at the Toyota Stadium.
Emerging Ireland squad:
Forward - Jack Aungier, Jack Boyle, James Culhane, Jordan Duggan, Sean Edogbo, Ronan Foxe, Cormac Izuchukwu, Sean Jansen, Alex Kendellen, 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
