Neil Doak names Eánna McCarthy as captain for Under-20 Six Nations

Connacht back row Eánna McCarthy has been confirmed as captain for the Ireland Under-20s, as head coach Neil Doak named a 31-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations Championship.

Cork-born McCarthy, who joined Connacht's academy this season, is set to lead the side in his hometown when they take on England in their opening game on Thursday, 30 January at Virgin Media Park.

Doak has included six returning players who were involved in last year's Six Nations campaign and World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.

Alex Usanov, Alan Spicer, Mikey Yarr, Billy Corrigan and Henry Walker all link up with the U20s for the second year in a row, while scrum-half Will Wootton also previously featured for Ireland U20s during the 2024 season. Wootton is the younger brother of former Ireland, Munster and Connacht wing Alex.

Doak’s side have been building for the Six Nations at the IRFU high performance facility in recent weeks, defeating Italy in a warm-up game at St Mary's College RFC, while also taking on a Leinster Development team.

"We have been working hard for a number of weeks and it’s an exciting time for these young players, who have the honour of representing the wider group in the Six Nations," Doak said.

"We, as coaches, have pushed the players over the last number of months and I have been impressed by their work-rate, commitment, and application. Now our focus turns to performance and the opening game against England, which we know will be a big challenge first up.

"We are looking forward to the opportunities over the coming weeks and are excited by the prospect of an Ireland U20s team returning to Six Nations action at Virgin Media Park in Cork, where we always have huge support."

Ireland Men's U20s Squad:

Forwards (17):

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