RUGBY:IRELAND UNDER-18 Schools beat France 22-20 in the FIRA AER semi-final in Madrid yesterday. They followed up their opening victory in the tournament over Portugal with a hard-fought win against the French.

Ireland, the defending champions, will now face England in the final on Saturday afternoon.

The Irish team, led by St Michael’s College flanker Dan Leavy, scored three tries, a brace from Crescent College winger Greory O’Shea and another from loosehead prop Charlie Slowey of CBC Cork.

Gonzaga’s Conor McKeon kicked two conversions and a penalty.