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Ireland 'A' rolled out for November mission to southern Europe
By Ian Cameron
The IRFU has confirmed that Ireland ‘A’ will face Spain in Leganés next month, handing another group of up-and-coming players valuable minutes in green during the autumn window.
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Connacht Scrum and Contact Coach Cullie Tucker, who was part of Andy Farrell’s backroom team for the summer tour of Georgia and Portugal, will take charge as head coach for the fixture at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on Saturday, 8 November (5pm local/4pm Irish time).
He will be assisted by Mossy Lawler (backs/attack), Jimmy Duffy (forwards) and Sean O’Brien (defence).
The game in Spain forms part of an IRFU strategy to widen the national team talent base, providing high-level exposure to those on the fringes of full Test selection.
It coincides with a packed month for Irish rugby, with Andy Farrell’s senior side taking on New Zealand in Chicago for the Gallagher Cup before hosting Japan, Australia and South Africa in the Quilter Nations Series at Aviva Stadium.
The IRFU believe the match adds another meaningful layer to Ireland’s November schedule, coming nine months after the ‘A’ side’s clash with England ‘A’ in Bristol.
England A claimed a 28-12 win over Ireland A – formerly known as the Wolfhounds – that day.
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Tries from Ollie Hassell-Collins, Jack van Poortvliet and Greg Fisilau, plus a late penalty try, sealed the result, with Charlie Atkinson and Jamie Shillcock adding the extras. Ireland’s scores came through Shayne Bolton and Hugh Gavin, while Nathan Doak converted one.
Despite flashes from the visitors, England’s set-piece dominance and sharper handling proved decisive on a sodden night in Bristol.
The Ireland ‘A’ squad for the Leganés encounter will be named in the coming weeks.
Streaming details will be confirmed closer to the date.
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