The U18 Six Nations wrapped up this Sunday at Donnybrook. For the Ireland U18s - who are sponsored by PwC - who entered the competition on the back of unbeaten success in the senior and U20 Six Nations, it was a strong campaign, even if it ended on a down note at the Energia Stadium on Sunday.
With a squad featuring some of the best talent in the Irish secondary school system, the Ireland U18s provided a solid account of themselves across the competition. Ireland finished the campaign with two wins and a single defeat. The wins came in the opening two rounds over Scotland and Wales, while Ireland were beaten comprehensively by England 56-14 and missed out on a Triple Crown.
France finished the competition unbeaten after wins against Scotland, Italy and a one-point over England.
All in all, Ireland U18s head coach Paul Barr can be very happy with the performance his Ireland team put in.
Among the stand-out performers for Ireland in the tournament were captain Evan Moynihan. The St Mary's out half pulled the strings for Ireland across the competition, and scored a wonder try against Wales.
Second row Mahon Ronan of Boyne scores two tries in Ireland's 36-20 win over Scotland.
England were a far sterner test. Ireland trailed 27-7 at halftime and were able to manage a late second try from lock Bryan Walshe in the second half but England were the far stronger team.
It was a solid tournament for the young Galway man who also scored a try off the bench against Scotland.
Well done to 5th year student Bryan Walsh who played for @IrishRugby U18s against Scotland in the U18 Six Nations Festival last weekend. Bryan also scored a try in their 36-20 win! pic.twitter.com/EVh3cOjyTE
— Coláiste Éinde (@Colaiste_Einde) April 10, 2023
Ireland did score one of the tries of the tournament in defeat to England on Sunday. The try was scored by winger Paddy Farrell, but it was set up by an incredible grubber by Newbridge College student Todd Lawlor, which he collected himself to set up Farrell for a sumptuous try.
You can view it here at 21 minute mark of the video.
Of course, results are only part of this experience for the players. The chance to represent Ireland and don that great jersey is a massive milestone for these young players. It was brilliant to see Rosie Foley tweet after the England game about her pride at seeing her son Oisin represent Ireland. The Ballina-Killaloe backrow was in the Team of the First Round after his performance against Scotland.
Congratulations IrishRugby U18 squad coaches & auxiliary staff for wonderful entertaining performances both on & off the pitch most of all Thanks for the wonderful memories & catch ups #irishschoolsrugby23 #rugbyfamily St Munchin's College MunsterRugby YouthsBallina-Killaloe RFC pic.twitter.com/iM7ePEuFcA
— Rosie Foley MSc INTERNATIONAL (@FoleyRosie) April 16, 2023
The tournament was a memorable experience for the players and staff and we look forward to seeing what comes next for these players.
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