The squad travel to Cork for a friendly fixture at Mardyke Sports Grounds, University College Cork (17:30 GMT kick-off) in preparation for the upcoming U18 Six Nations Festival in France.   

Elliot Williams has been selected as captain for the match following his first U19 cap against Japan. Captaincy will rotate in the coming games to maximise leadership development opportunities across the squad. 

Alongside Williams, Will Knight, George Marsh and James Pater earned minutes as replacements in the U19 Men’s recent 52-47 victory over Japan at Ellgia Fields, Cambridge. 

Jonathan Pendlebury said: “The game against Ireland is a welcome opening for our group to measure progression in their development with a busy month ahead. Our key pillars of exploration and adaptation will be crucial to help them prepare for the Six Nations in a testing environment.” 

Team to face Ireland (current academy) 

15. James Pater (Northampton Saints) 

14. Junior Denny (Gloucester Rugby)    

13. Will Knight (Gloucester Rugby) 

12. Declan Treacey (Bath Rugby) 

11. Charlie Tamani (Northampton Saints)

10. Oscar Talbot (Leicester Tigers) 

9. Isaac Mears (Bath Rugby) 

1. Alan Poku (Saracens) 

2. Kealan Freeman-Price (Gloucester Rugby) 

3. Sam Bland (Yorkshire Academy) 

4. Freddie Ogden-Metherell (Gloucester Rugby) 

5. Henry Laidlow (Harlequins) 

6. Elliot Williams (Harlequins) * 

7. Jack Lewis (Northampton Saints) 

8. George Marsh (Leicester Tigers) 

Replacements 

16. Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins) 

17. Oliver Spencer (Yorkshire Academy) 

18. Harry Wright (Gloucester Rugby) 

19. Archie Appleby (Northampton Saints) 

20. Tate Williams (Harlequins) 

21. James Townsend (Leicester Tigers) 

22. Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints) 

23. Victor Worsnip (Bristol Bears) * 

24. Henry Lumley (Northampton Saints) 

*denotes a player previously capped at U18 level for England