Three Connacht players are in the Ireland U-20 side which has arrived in Argentina to compete in the IRB World Junior Championships.

Connacht's Nigel Carolan is assistant coach to the squad which includes winger Tiernan O'Halloran (Galwegians) from Clifden, centre Eoin Griffin (Corinthians) from Knocknacarra and hooker Denis Buckley (Corinthians) from Roscommon.

Ireland, the reigning Six Nations champions, will open their campaign against France in Rosario on Saturday.

Coach Allen Clarke finalised his 26 man squad with the inclusion of Leinster’s David McSharry and Munster’s Brian O’Hara.

The squad took part in a final training session at the weekend in Johnstown where they were joined by sponsors PricewaterhouseCoopers for a good luck lunch. 

Feargal O'Rourke, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, said “We wish the Under 20’s team every success in their forthcoming Junior World Championship in Argentina. Their winning of the recent 6 Nations Championship gives great hope for a strong performance”.

“I have no doubt that quite a number of this squad will go far in the professional game. We are delighted to support Irish Rugby and the Under 20’s team in particular as we feel that their talent, dedication and teamwork reflect shared values with PwC”.

Ireland are in pool B with France, England and host nation Argentina. Ireland kick-off their tournament with a match against France on Saturday, 5th June.

Ireland’s pool fixtures will be broadcast live on Setanta Sports.

Ireland IRB Junior Rugby World Cup Squad 2010:
Niall Annett (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Denis Buckley (Corinthians/Connacht)
Patrick Butler (Shannon /Munster)
Bryan Cagney (UCC/Munster)
Andrew Conway (Blackrock/Leinster)
John Cooney (UCD/Leinster)
David Doyle (UCD/Leinster)
Eoin Griffin (Corinthians /Connacht)
Brian Hayes (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Michael Heaney (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Darren Hudson (St. Mary's /Leinster)
Brendan Macken (Blackrock/Leinster)
Stewart  Maguire (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
Ben Marshall (UCD/Leinster)
James McKinney (Queens/Ulster)
David McSharry (UCD/Leinster)
Jordi Murphy (Blackrock/Leinster)
David O'Callaghan (UCC/Munster)
Jack O’Connell (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Tiernan O'Halloran (Galwegians/Connacht)
Brian O'Hara (UL Bohemian/Munster)
Noel Reid (UCD/Leinster)
Rhys Ruddock (UCD/Leinster)
Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Nevin Spence (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster)


05 Jun -France v Ireland - Estadio El Coloso del Parque, Rosario - 14:00
09 Jun -England v Ireland - Estadio El Coloso del Parque, Rosario - 14:00
13 Jun - Argentina v Ireland - Estadio El Coloso del Parque, Rosario -16:00