Murphy makes four changes for Ireland U20s

Ireland have four changes to their side to face Italy in the Under-20s Six Nations on Friday night.

Head coach Richie Murphy has brought in Chay Mullins, Jude Postlethwaite, Fionn Gibbons and Matthew Devine to the side that defeated France last time out.

Winger Mullins comes back into the back three having scored a brace of tries against Wales, with Patrick Campbell continuing at full-back and Gibbons shifting to the left wing.

Having featured in last summer's U20 Six Nations, Postlethwaite - who also has HSBC World Rugby Sevens experience with Ireland - comes into midfield to partner Ben Brownlee for his first appearance of the 2022 Championship, while Devine joins Charlie Tector in the half-backs.

Murphy has named an unchanged starting pack for the visit of Italy, with Reuben Crothers once again captaining the side from the back row.

Speaking ahead of the game, Murphy said: "We've had another good week of preparation in the build-up to what we know will be a tough challenge.

"Italy enjoyed a brilliant win over England last time out and certainly we'll need to step it up another gear this week in front of our home supporters.

"The atmosphere at Musgrave Park for the Wales game was memorable and it lifted the whole group to have that vocal and strong home support behind us.

"We're excited to get back to Cork on Friday night and hopefully build on our performances to date."

Ireland U20s: 15. Patrick Campbell (Young Munster RFC/Munster) 14. Chay Mullins (Bristol Bears/IQ Rugby) 13. Jude Postlethwaite (Banbridge RFC/Ulster) 12. Ben Brownlee (UCD RFC/Leinster) 11. Fionn Gibbons (UCD RFC/Leinster) 10. Charlie Tector (Lansdowne FC/Leinster) 9. Matthew Devine (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht)

1. Jack Boyle (UCD RFC/Leinster) 2. James