Mason in Irish Students team

THE Ireland team to meet Wales in the opening group match of the Students' World Cup at the Rand Afrikaan University in Johannesburg…

THE Ireland team to meet Wales in the opening group match of the Students' World Cup at the Rand Afrikaan University in Johannesburg this afternoon includes three internationals, two of whom were in the Irish squad that participated in the World Cup in South Africa last year.

The internationals in the team are full back Simon Mason, wing Darragh O'Mahony and number eight Anthony Foley. O'Mahony and Foley both played in the World Cup.

The side also includes A internationals wing James Topping and second row Malcolm O'Kelly. The team will be captained by flanker Kevin Spicer.

Romania, who had been due to compete in Ireland's group along with Wales and Argentina, did not travel to South Africa. Consequently, Ireland will now play only two group matches, against Wales today and Argentina next Saturday.