Laois player selected for Ireland against Argentina in the U/20 Rugby World Cup

ONE the four changes to the Irish team that lost out to England in their opening game in the U/20 Rugby World Cup on Saturday last, is Jack Deegan from Ballyadams. Ireland will take on Argentina on Thursday.

Deegan earned his stating call up after putting in an impressive display when introduced as a replacement just after half time against England. He scored Ireland’s last try to reduce the gap to just four points approaching the final ten minutes, but a penalty from England out half Hugh Shields secured the victory for England While born in England, Deegan and his family moved to Ireland where he attended Ballyadams National School. Having played football with St Joseph's and hurling with Park/Ratheniska, he started his rugby journey with Newbridge RFC.

While attending Cistercian College Roscrea, his love of rugby took off. He was on the school’s Junior Cup team that reached the provincial final in 2022. He subsequently went on to be age-grade level by Leinster and Ireland. The 6ft 2in centre plays his Energia All-Ireland League rugby with Blackrock College.

On leaving Roscrea Deegan went straight into the Leinster Academy and joined the Blackrock. But he had an unfortunate first season which was largely unsettled by injury. As a result he failed to make it into the Ireland setup for the U/20 Six Nations earlier this year.

Thankfully he recovered in time to play for Leinster ‘A’ which led to him being included in the 36-man Ireland squad.

Thursday's game at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi kicks off at 12.30pm Irish time. It will be broadcast live on Premier Sports and RugbyPass TV.

Ireland's final pool game will be against USA on Tuesday next 7 July.