Ireland U20 player ratings vs England | World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026

Ireland U20 player ratings: Ireland’s early blitz had England rocking, and for a brief spell it looked like raw speed might produce a bit of scoreboard blowout.

But England’s middle period—built on power, crisp hands and a dominant lineout—proved decisive. Ireland’s scrum and finishing on the edge kept it alive, yet their own errors, especially at in front of England try-line, proved terminal.

The 34-27 final score will irk Ireland, as they’ll think they should have won this one.

Here’s how the Ireland U20 players rated:

1. Max Doyle – 7.5
Anchored a scrum that became a genuine weapon, even down a man at times. Huge credit for helping Ireland flip that area of the game.

2. Rian Handley – 7
Solid at set-piece overall but the overthrown lineout in the England 22 was a brutal moment. Around the field he got through his work.

3. Sam Bishti – 7.5
Part of an excellent scrummaging unit that put England under the kosh. Kept coming and was integral to Ireland staying in the fight.

4. Donnacha McGuire – 6.5
A quieter shift before being replaced. Didn’t impose himself as much as Ireland would have liked in the tight exchanges.

5. Dylan McNeice – 7
Yellow card early on hurt Ireland, but he worked hard to make amends. Busy showing in the second half.

6. Josh Neill – 7
Dominated collisions early and was everywhere, before going a little quiet. Came back to life with a strong carry late that helped spark a try.

7. Ben Blaney – 6.5
Sin-binned for collapsing the maul and conceding a penalty try. A tough outing despite some defensive effort.

8. Diarmaid O’Connell – 7
Some great hands in the second half and kept himself involved. Penalised for offside late in the first half when Ireland were under pressure.

9. Christopher Barrett – 6.5
Reasonable box kicking and decent control at times. Didn’t dominate but kept Ireland ticking as they tried to build phases.

10. Charlie O’Shea – 6.5
Like Shields across from him, a mixed bag. Some smart moments linking play, but key errors: a restart out on the full and a loose tap pass attempt, cost Ireland territory and momentum at key times.

11. Daniel Ryan – 9
Electric. Two tries inside eight minutes set the tone and he added another after the break. Had a fourth scrubbed off by the TMO, but the Connachtman’s pace and finishing were lethal.

12. James O’Leary – 8
Excellent hands throughout and a constant threat. Combined beautifully with Carney and produced a brilliant chip that almost led to another Ryan score.

13. Robert Carney – 7
Good link play and understanding with O’Leary. Helped Ireland play with width and tempo when they were at their best.

14. Charlie Molony – 6.5
Quiet first half but grew into the game. Unfortunately got isolated late on, leading to a turnover that effectively ended Ireland’s hopes.

15. Noah Byrne – 7
Showed real pace and willingness to attack, setting up and finishing chances. A couple of errors: knock-on and poor exit; took the shine off.

Replacements – 8
Jack Deegan was superb, scoring and injecting real energy. Wood added composure, while others brought real urgency as Ireland chased the game.