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Bryn Cunningham - named in Ireland A squad

Irish name inexperienced Churchill Cup squad

17 May 2006, 2:55 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

The Ireland A squad that will take part in the Barclays Churchill Cup in the USA and Canada in June contains nine players who are uncapped at A level in the 28 man touring party.

The squad also contains only four full internationals with eight caps in total between Roger Wilson, Matt McCullough, Kieran Lewis and David Quinlan. The side will be captained by Shane Jennings.

The Ireland A side played two matches this season in February and March, losing narrowly away to France 20 – 12 in Limoges, but then turned this defeat around to beat a strong England A side 33 – 18 in Gloucester. Ireland A, which will be coached by Connacht’s Michael Bradley, will play three games during the tournament, kicking off against the USA on June 3rd.

Commenting on the Churchill Cup, Coach Michael Bradley said, “Our opening game against a USA team playing at home will certainly be a stern test for us and we will need to gel together quickly so we can put in a performance. Our second game against New Zealand Maoris will be as tough as they come. When you consider that this time last year they beat the Lions, you can see what a hard game we are in for.”

He continued, “In saying that, our own performance against England on our last outing has given us great confidence, but also a bench mark for us to start from. The tournament is a great opportunity for the players to not only develop their own games, but also push their own international credentials. It is a great chance for them to gain international experience against quality opposition.”

Ireland Coach Eddie O’Sullivan said, “This tour will be very important for strengthening our overall depth in key positions. The squad is selected on a developmental basis and is about exposing players to a higher level of international rugby and giving them a platform to improve.”

Backs (13)
Player Club Senior Caps (A Caps in Brackets)
Bryn Cunningham Dungannon/Ulster 0 (3)
Ian Dowling Shannon/Munster 0 (1)
John Hearty Galwegians/Connacht 0 (1)
Eoghan Hickey UCD/Leinster 0 (0)
Chris Keane Buccaneers/Connacht 0 (2)
Robert Kearney UCD/Leinster 0 (1)
Simon Keogh Harlequins 0 (0)
Mossie Lawlor Shannon/Munster 0 (2)
Kieran Lewis St.Mary’s College/Leinster 1 (3)
Andrew Maxwell Ballymena/Ulster 0 (0)
Tomas O’Leary Dolphin/Munster 0 (2)
David Quinlan Northampton 2 (1)
Paddy Wallace Ballymena/Ulster 0 (8)

Forwards (15)
Player Club Senior Caps (A Caps in Brackets)
Brian Blaney Terenure College/Leinster 0 (1)
Damien Browne Northampton 0 (0)
Tom Court Ballymena/Ulster 0 (0)
Declan Fitzpatrick Belfast Harlequins/Ulster 0 (0)
John Fogarty Buccaneers/Connacht 0 (2)
David Gannon Buccaneers/Connacht 0 (0)
Jamie Heaslip Clontarf/Leinster 0 (2)
Ray Hogan Galwegians/Connacht 0 (2)
Trevor Hogan Shannon/Munster 0 (2)
Shane Jennings Leicester (Captain) 0 (3)
John Muldoon Galwegians/Connacht 0 (0)
Ronan McCormack UCD/Leinster 0 (4)
Matt McCullough Ballymena/Ulster 4 (3)
Neil McMillan Ballymena/Ulster 0 (0)
Roger Wilson Belfast Harlequins/Ulster 1 (3)