Ireland have named five players from the country's domestic competition in their 20-man squad for the European Cup.
European Cup squad named
Ireland have named five players from the country's domestic competition in their 20-man squad for the European Cup.
John Coleman, Brendan Guilfoyle, Paddy Barcoe, Tim Bergin and Stevie Gibbons all play in Ireland - but will now be looking to impress on the international stage.
There have also been first call ups for prop forwards Ryan Boyle and Luke Ambler and Warrington's Challenge Cup-winning back rower Tyrone McCarthy.
The debut appearances could help offset the loss of World Cup players Sean Gleeson, Gareth Haggerty and Eamon O'Carroll through injury.
Scott Grix, who has finalised a move from Wakefield to Huddersfield for next season, will continue his captaincy of the squad following his impressive World Cup performances.
Ireland: Scott Grix (Wakefield, capt), Bob Beswick (Halifax), Liam Harrison (Barrow), Karl Fitzpatrick (Salford), Liam Finn (Dewsbury), Luke Ambler (Leeds), Marcus St Hilaire (Oldham), Pat Richards (Wigan), Mick McIlorum (Wigan), Tyrone McCarthy (Warrington), Jason Golden (Harlequins), Wayne Kerr (Oldham), Dave Allen (Barrow), Sean Hesketh (York), Ryan Boyle (Castleford), John Coleman (Dublin City Exiles), Brendan Guilfoyle (Treaty City Titans), Paddy Barcoe (Carlow Crusaders), Tim Bergin (Laois Panthers), Stevie Gibbons (Carlow Crusaders).
