Rugby

Emerging Ireland go for gold in final match

McGrath and Kearney have been ruled out of the game because of concussion

Ireland Under 20 Garry Ringrose in possession during the Under 20 Rugby World Cup. Photograph: Photosport/Andrew Cornaga/Inpho
Ireland Under 20 Garry Ringrose in possession during the Under 20 Rugby World Cup. Photograph: Photosport/Andrew Cornaga/Inpho
Thu Jun 19 2014 - 16:42

In Bucharest Luke McGrath and Michael Kearney have been ruled out of Emerging Ireland’s final game of the Nations Cup against the hosts Romania on Sunday.

Both players sustained concussive injuries during the 51-3 win over Uruguay and have been stood down. They will now go through the return to play protocols.

McGrath has flown back to Ireland and will be replaced in the squad by Ulster’s Michael Heaney, while Kearney will remain with the squad for the remainder of the tournament.

Team management report that apart from the usual bumps and bruises which are being managed by the medical team the remainder of the squad is available for selection.

READ MORE

Both Romania and Emerging Ireland have recorded two victories in the tournament although Dan McFarland’s Irish team top the table courtesy of two bonus point victories over Russian and Uruguay.

The Irish Under 20s also go into their last match of the World Cup in New Zealand. Mike Ruddock’s side face the hosts in the 3rd place play-off. Ruddock has made a number changes to the side that lost out to England for their final game of the tournament.

Jack O’Donoghue has been ruled out of the game as he continues to observe to the ‘return to play’ concussion protocols. Peadar Timmins will captain the side.

The back row sees Timmins joined by Rory Moloney who is named at openside flanker with Frank Taggart moving to No. 8.

Dylan Donnellan and Oisin Heffernan both make their first start of the tournament partnering Peter Dooley in the front row with Darragh Moloney named in the second row alongside Ross Moloney. Harrison Brewer is named in the centre along with Garry Ringrose. Kick off Friday 6.05 am Irish Time.

Romania v Emerging Ireland: Sunday 22nd June, Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf 15:00 Irish Time

Results so far: Emerging Ireland 66 Russia 0; Emerging Ireland 51 Uruguay 3

Top Points Scorers: Florin Vlaicu (ROM) 29; JJ Hanrahan (IRE) 19; Ian Keatley (IRE) 18; Andrew Conway (IRE) 15; Craig Gilroy (IRE) 15

Top Try Scorers: Andrew Conway (IRE) 3 ; Craig Gilroy (IRE) 3; Paul Marshall (IRE) 2; Tommy O Donnell (IRE) 2

The Counter Ruck

The Counter Ruck

Sign up to the Irish Times weekly rugby digest for the view from the press box with Gerry Thornley