Two Mayo men in Irish squad for Under 20 Six Nations opener against Wales

Two Mayo players have been selected on Richie Murphy's Ireland match day squad for the opening game of the Under 20 Six Nations against Wales in Colwyn Bay this evening (kick-off 7 p.m., live on Virgin Media Two).

Fiachna Barrett and Harry West, both former Ballina RFC players, are named among the replacements as Ireland begin their 2023 championship against the Welsh at Stadium CSM.

Gus McCarthy captains Ireland, who will start with three players who featured during last year’s Grand Slam-winning campaign.

Leinster duo Diarmuid Mangan and Conor O’Tighearnaigh start in the second row, while Ulster back row James McNabney is named at blindside flanker.

Additionally, Ballina native West is one of three players – along with Sam Prendergast and George Hadden – who played for Ireland during the Under 20 Summer Series in Italy last year, ensuring Murphy’s squad contains valuable experience heading into the championship opener.

Prendergast, the younger brother of Ireland international Cian, starts at out-half in a half-back pairing with Fintan Gunne. Hugh Cooney and John Devine are named in the midfield, with James Nicholson, Ike Anagu and Hugh Gavin selected in the back three.

Up front, Hadden is joined in the front row by skipper McCarthy and Paddy McCarthy, the younger brother of Ireland second row Joe.

On the bench with Barrett, an Erris native, and West are Danny Sheahan, George Morris, Evan O’Connell, Jacob Sheahan, Oscar Cawley and Henry McErlean.

Commenting ahead of the game, Murphy said: “We are excited to get the Six Nations underway in Wales following a good period of preparation for the group. The squad have come together well over the last couple of weeks, gelling both on and off the pitch, and we have now turned the focus this week to performance.”

The match is live on Virgin Media Two and BBC iPlayer.