Munster backrow Alex Kendellen to lead Emerging Ireland Against Pumas in Bloemfontein

Munster backrow Alex Kendellen has been named captain of the Emerging Ireland team for their match against the Pumas in Bloemfontein on Wednesday afternoon (kick-off at 3:00 PM Irish time).

The flanker is one of three former Ireland Under-20 captains in the squad, joined by Gus McCarthy and Evan O’Connell, who are listed among the replacements.

Cormac Izuchukwu and James Culhane, both of whom were part of the Emerging Ireland tour in 2022, will line up in the back row alongside Kendellen, bringing valuable experience to the team.

Head coach Simon Easterby has included Izuchukwu and Leinster flyhalf Sam Prendergast, who travelled with the Ireland senior squad to South Africa this summer but didn’t earn caps.

The squad has a strong representation from recent Ireland Under-20s teams, with Munster’s Seán O’Brien (26) and Leinster’s Rob Russell bringing veteran experience to the backline.

Highly touted Connacht centre Hugh Gavin has been named to start alongside O’Brien in the centres while Olympic 7s star Ward gets the nod on the left wing with Ben O’Connor at fullback.

In the halfbacks, Matthew Devine’s return from injury is a boost for the team, as he takes his place at scrumhalf alongside Prendergast.

Due to injuries to Jack Boyle, Tommy O’Brien, and Shane Bolton, Munster prop Mark Donnelly has been given a starting role in the front row. Connacht’s Jack Aungier and Darragh Murray bring plenty of provincial experience, and 19-year-old Clontarf prop Alex Usanov, who was a late addition to the travelling squad, will feature on the bench.

Here is the Emerging Ireland Match Day Squad to face The Pumas in their Tour opener in Bloemfontein! 🟢#TeamOfUs

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 1, 2024

Speaking about his selections, Easterby commented, “The Pumas will be a significant challenge, especially as it’s the first of three matches in seven days. They’re a physical side, coming off a strong Currie Cup campaign. Given the tight schedule, we’ll be managing our squad carefully.

“This group is younger and less experienced than the one from two years ago, but their talent, energy, and enthusiasm have been evident over the past week. We’re thrilled to be here in Bloemfontein, and the team is ready to get started.”

The three-match series will be broadcast live on IrishRugby+, free of charge, and only online registration is required. Easterby added, “These three games will test the squad in different ways, which is exactly the kind of environment we want to create to see how the players respond to pressure and competition. We had a solid training session on Monday, and the team is eager to take to the field.”