The IRFU have confirmed an Emerging Ireland squad will play three fixtures in the Toyota Challenge hosted in South Africa this autumn.
Simon Easterby will lead the squad, with other national team coaches Paul O’Connell, Mike Catt and John Fogarty providing support.
Emerging Ireland squad lead by Simon Easterby will play 3 fixtures in Bloemfontein in #ToyotaChallenge more here: https://t.co/gqwVPAVWfD pic.twitter.com/fwMtOCPm2M
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 31, 2022
The 35-player squad will play three Currie Cup sides across a nine-day period – with all fixtures taking place at the Toyota Stadium, the home of the Cheetahs.
The IRFU have stated that the squad will include players who have impressed for the Ireland U20 side in recent seasons.
David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, commented: "This opportunity presented itself quite late but the drawn Series against the Māori All Blacks in July highlighted the value of exposing less experienced players to the rigours of an international set-up and the benefit that can be garnered from a challenging touring environment and exposure to the national coaching group.
"This tournament will provide a significant development opportunity for a group of talented young players."
Simon Easterby, Emerging Ireland Head Coach, added: "The growth we witnessed in the less experienced players in New Zealand over the four weeks was incredible to see.
"The two Māori fixtures were invaluable in broadening our talent pool ahead of RWC23 and the coaching group see this as another opportunity to increase the depth of talent available to the national squad ahead of the World Cup in France and beyond."
The national coaching team will utilise this window to replicate the demands of the senior environment, with the aim of accelerating the development of the Emerging Ireland group which will feature a host of players who have stood out at Ireland U20 level over the past few seasons.
The tour clashes with three derbies in the United Rugby Championship, including Ulster’s home game with Leinster on 30 September.
Toyota Challenge 2022
Friday 30th September 2022Windhoek Draught Griquas vs Emerging IrelandKO: 12:45 (Irish time)Wednesday 5th October 2022Airlink Pumas vs Emerging IrelandKO: 16:00 (Irish time)Sunday 9th October 2022Toyota Cheetahs vs Emerging IrelandKO: 12:00 (Irish time)
