LUKE Murphy (Shannon) will make his first start for Ireland at Number 8 in Friday’s Under-20 Six Nations Championship outing with Italy at Virgin Media Park, Cork (7pm).
Murphy replaces the injured Brian Gleeson, Garryowen.
The side will again be captained by Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian), and includes another Munster player in Ben O’Connor, UCC.
Among the replacements are Munster pair Danny Sheahan (Cork Constitution) and Seán Edogbo, (UCC).
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Richie Murphy’s Ireland opened their 2024 Championship with an impressive bonus point win in France at the weekend.
