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Eight reasons why supporting the Under 20s this weekend is the best thing you can do for Irish rugby

Eight reasons why supporting the Under 20s this weekend is the best thing you can do for Irish rugby
REPRO FREE***PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE*** Ireland U-20 Squad Announced For RBS 6 Nations Championship, Donnybrook, Dublin 21/1/2015 An extended squad of 30 players has been named for the Ireland Under-20s, sponsored by PwC, ahead of their 2015 RBS U-20 6 Nations campaign. Pictured (L-R) Lorcan Dow, Nick McCarthy, head coach Nigel Carolan and Rory Moloney Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

We all love the Six Nations here at Beat, but what about its more agile and unpredictable younger brother?

Just like Electric Ireland, we want you to support Irish rugby’s future stars by going to see them in action in the Under 20’s Six Nations. And what better way to do this then catching them in action when they take on France this Friday.

It might just be the best kept secret in Irish sport, so we along with Electric Ireland want to tell you why supporting the Under 20s this weekend is the best thing you can do for Irish rugby.

 
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1. See the stars of the future:
Zebo, Henderson and Henshaw - all household names today - applied their trade for Ireland in the U-20 division as relative unknowns. Catch the likes of Lyttle, Bollard, & Browne at Donnybrook before they explode onto the main stage.

2. Analyse the tactics head on:
If like me, you're not blessed with the sharpest eyesight, gauging Ireland's next move from a stadium's top tier isn't all that easy. Donnybrook Stadium’s intimate environs pose no such problem. Sinew crunching rucks, dummy switches and pivots sit right on your eye line, placing you at the heart of every move.

3. Build a connection:
You may not realise it, but travelling to support players on their first, second and third caps is a gesture they’ll never forget.

4. Discover local talent:
With so many new names added to this season’s team sheet, there’s a real possibility that a player from your town could be next addition to the senior line-up.

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5. Know that our future is in safe hands
Us Irish have a problem with hanging onto great things that have long since gone. Forget O'Gara, O'Driscoll and O’Connell, and let the stars of tomorrow win you over tonight.

6. Despite the table standings, we're the underdogs:
The stats say it all. Over the course of thirteen matches, France have won eight matches as opposed to Ireland’s five. Our squad have landed just 14 tries as opposed to the Gallics’ 22. Get behind the our boys to unleash their fighting spirit.

7. It's vintage rivalry:
Since our first coming together in 1909, Ireland and France have delivered some of the most pulsating matches in rugby history. Still, it’s not just limited to the rugby field. Henry’s Hand of God, anyone?

8. See their character build:
Don't just support the boys this weekend, watch the team build their character by catching their next home game at Donnybrook when they face none other than England. The day? St. Patrick's Day - enough said!

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Electric Ireland proudly sponsors the Ireland Under 20’s Six Nations home games.

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