Richie Murphy names Ireland Under-20 squad for Six Nations

Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy will captain Richie Murphy's Ireland Under-20 squad in their upcoming Six Nations campaign.

Murphy has named a 32-man Ireland squad which includes seven players who were involved in last year's tournament and Under-20 Summer Series.

Leinster duo Diarmuid Mangan and Conor O'Tighearnaigh, as well as Ulster back row James McNabney, were part of last season's Grand Slam-winning squad, while Sam Prendergast, Charlie Irvine, Harry West and George Hadden featured during the Under-20 Summer Series in Italy last June.

Ireland open their campaign against Wales in Colwyn Bay on Friday, 3 February.

Speaking at today's squad announcement, Murphy also confirmed his coaching staff for the Six Nations, with Willie Faloon (defence and lineout) and Mark Sexton (backs and attack) continuing in their roles, and Aaron Dundon joining the team as scrum and contact coach.

"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," Murphy 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 Wales, which we know will be a big challenge first up."

Ireland Under-20 squadForwards: George Morris (Lansdowne/Leinster)George Hadden (Clontarf/Leinster)Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)(captain)Conall Henchy (DUFC/Munster)Danny Sheahan (UCC/Munster)Ronan Foxe (Leinster/Old Belvedere)Fiachna Barrett (Corinthians/Connacht)Paddy McCarthy (DUFC/Leinster)Conor O'Tighearnaigh (DUFC/Leinster)Charlie Irvine (Queen's University/Ulster)Evan O'Connell (UL Bohemians/Munster)Joe Hopes