Rugby League : Ireland smash Russia to secure World Cup qualification

 

IRELAND 70

T: Hope (7), Dunne (10), McMahon (13, 36), Grix (23, 62), T King (32), McDonnell (38), Roberts (46, 72), G King (59), J Kelly (64), Littler (69)

C: Finn 8/11, Littler 1/2

 

Russia 16

T: Eramin (4), Kalinin (26), Buryak (79)

C: Lysokon 2/3

(HT 38-12)

 

Steve Hogan

The Carlisle Grounds, Bray

 

Ireland secured automatic qualification for the Rugby League World Cup with an emphatic 13-try victory over Russia.

The Wolfhounds turned on the style at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray and the Russians had no answer to their high-tempo display of power and accuracy.

The victory means Ireland have qualified for next year’s tournament in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, while the Russians face an elimination play-off against Italy next week.

Russia got off to a great start and scored the first try but they couldn’t keep up with the Irish who ran in tries from all angles, including doubles from Galway Tribesman winger Alan McMahon, outhalf Scott Grix and back row Ollie Roberts.

The Irish won the tackle battle and ruthlessly punched holes in their opponent’s defence. The Russians were game and had spells when they gamely challenged Ireland — but the Wolfhounds’ were always firmly in control and as the Russians tired, Ireland’s ran up the score, with no try more popular than that scored by James Kelly after he came on as a replacement in the second half.

The Shankill native, who plays for the Dublin City Exiles, and Alan McMahon must surely be in the sights of the professional clubs in England after their recent displays for Ireland.

There was also a touching moment late in the second-half for long-serving stalwart Stuart Littler, who scored a memorable try in his final match before finally hanging up his boots after a long and successful career.

 

Ireland: Shannon McDonnell, Alan McMahon, Stuart Littler, Toby King, Casey Dunne, Scott Grix, Liam Finn (capt), George King, Joe Keyes, Luke Ambler, Will Holt, Dave Allen, Ollie Roberts. Replacements: Joe Philbin, Matty Hadden, James Kelly, Gareth Gill.

Russia: Viacheslav Eremin, Vadim Buryak, Kirill Kosharin, Leonid Kalinin, Dmitry Bratko, Aleksandr Lysokon, Denis Tiulenev, Sergei Konstantinov, Petr Botnarash, Ivan Troitskii, Andrey Kuznetsov, Mikhail Burlutskii, Nikolai Zagoskin. Replacements: Vadim Fedchuk, Vladimir Vlasyuk, Maxim Tsinkovich, Maksim Suchkov.

Rugby League : Ireland determined to counter physical threat of Russians

from Rugby League Ireland

Ireland V Russia

Saturday 29th October @ The Carlisle Grounds, Bray 

(kick-off 5pm)

·       Coach Mark Aston makes changes to team

·       Winner qualifies automatically for Rugby League World Cup

·       Match coincides with Rugby League European Federation Annual Congress in Ireland

Ireland coach Mark Aston has warned his team they will have to be at their best to counter the formidable physical threat posed by Russia in Saturday’s winner-takes-all Rugby League World Cup qualification clash in Bray.

This is one of the biggest weekend’s in Irish rugby league history, as the team seeks to secure automatic qualification for the World Cup, while off the field Rugby League Ireland is hosting the Rugby League European Federation annual congress with delegates from all European countries arriving on Friday.  

Aston has made two changes to the team which defeated Spain 46-6 in Valencia last weekend. Warrington Wolves duo Joe Philbin and debutant Toby King – who will play alongside his brother George – replace Haydn Peacock and Parramatta prop James Hasson for the Group B decider at the Carlisle Grounds. Hasson has had to return to Australia for pre-existing commitments.

Toby King (20) comes in at centre, with Ollie Roberts moving to loose forward, while second row Philbin replaces Peacock on the bench. There are 12 Super League and Championship players in the Ireland squad, alongside five domestic players.

The winners of the match will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, while the losers will face a qualification play-off against either Wales or Italy.

Mark Aston said: “This is another big challenge against Russia who had an impressive win against Spain. They’re a big and physical outfit and we need to keep our standards high as I thought against Spain we let them slip. We’ll be looking for high completion and playing with plenty of tempo, that holds the key to our success.”

Aston added: “The players are really looking forward to getting the job done this weekend at home in front of our passionate fans. Then we can start planning for the 2017 World Cup.”

A large number of supporters from Ireland’s Russian community are expected to attend the game, including the Russian Ambassador, providing a true international flavour to the match.

Russian head coach Denis Korolev said: “We understand how difficult this match is going to be but at the same time it is very significant for us. We have ironed out a lot of the mistakes we made against Spain and we are ready to fight for the victory.”

The match coincides with the RLEF annual congress, with 40 rugby league representatives from throughout Europe casting an eye on how the game is progressing in Ireland.

Richard Egan, Director of Rugby League Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rugby League International Federation CEO David Collier and Rugby League European Federation leader Maurice Watkins to Ireland and as well as the 40 delegates from many European countries.

“The agenda will cover the opportunities and challenges in the game and will be a great event for people to mix and share views.  The attendees will take in some of what Bray and Co Wicklow has to offer and will then be guests at the Ireland v Russia World Cup qualifier game in The Carlisle Grounds in Bray. I would also like to thank McGettigans and The Royal Hotel, Bray, for hosting the event”

IRELAND: Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Alan McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), Stuart Littler (Swinton), Toby King (Warrington Wolves), Casey Dunne (Longhorns RL), Scott Grix, Liam Finn (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), George King  (Warrington Wolves), Joe Keyes (Bradford Bulls), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Will Hope (Oldham Roughyeds), Dave Allen (Whitehaven), Oliver Roberts (Huddersfield Giants). Replacements: Matty Hadden (Rochdale Hornets), James Kelly (Dublin City Exiles), Gareth Gill (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Joe Philbin, (Warrington Wolves).

RUSSIA (from): Viacheslav Eremin, Andrey Kuznetsov, (Dynamo), Kirill Kosharin (CSKA Moscow), Ivan Troitskii (Ivanovo White Sharks), Vadim Buryak, Leonid Kalinin, Maxim Tsinkovich (Lokomotiv Moscow), Petr Botnarash, Mikhail Burlutskii, Sergey Gaponov, Anatoly Grigorev, Sergei Konstantinov, Aleksandr Lysokon, Maksim Suchkov, Denis Tiulenev, Vladimir Vlasyuk, Nikolai Zagoskin (Nara), Anton Iunisov, Iustin Petrushka (Moscow Fili), Dmitry Bratko, Igor Chuprin, Vadim Fedchuk (Moscow Storm).

Rugby League : Ireland see off Spain to set up showdown with Russia

from Rugby League Ireland

Rugby League World Cup Qualifier

Spain 6 Ireland 46

Half time 0-22

Ireland face a winner takes all clash with Russia next weekend after launching their Rugby League World Cup qualifying campaign in style with a comprehensive victory over Spain.

The Wolfhounds outscored their opponents nine tries to one in Valencia on Saturday, getting off to a flyer in the first 10 minutes when Oliver Roberts and Alan McMahon crossed for early tries.

The Irish — who had five Super League players in their squad — added another two tries in the opening half despite failing to find their grove. The visitors’ greater physicality meant that they dominated the tackle area but there were too many unforced errors as the team of professionals and amateurs displayed the rustiness you might expect of a team playing together for the first time. Ireland led 22-0 at half-time

The second half began with neither team able to trouble the scoreboard early on. Ireland eventually broke the deadlock and went on to increase their lead before Spain got a score that was deserving of their efforts. After a series of penalties close to the Irish line the Spanish muscled up and went over towards the left flank. This was to be their only respite as the Irish then started moving the ball well and found holes out wide in the Spanish defence. This would allow the Irish to add a further three tries before the hooter sounded.

The late flurry of scores means they now go into next week's showdown with Russia at the top of Group B on points difference and with their destiny in their own hands. The Russians will travel to Ireland with their confidence high after their 40-6 victory over the Spanish the previous weekend, so a mouth-watering meeting can be expected at The Carlisle Grounds in Bray next weekend. The winner will qualify automatically for next year’s World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, while the loser will face an elimination play-off against either Wales, Italy or Serbia.

Rugby League : Ireland face ‘must-win’ World Cup qualifier against Spain

from Rugby League Ireland

Casey Dunne

Ireland v Spain

Saturday 22^nd October, Valencia. 

Kick-off 1.00pm GMT

·       Coach Mark Aston names reduced squad with two late replacements

·       Match being streamed live online

Ireland rugby league coach Mark Aston has warned his players that they face a “must-win game” against Spain in their opening World Cup qualifying match this weekend.

Aston is wary of a backlash from the Spanish after they lost to Russia in the opening game of Group B in Moscow last weekend.

The Ireland coach has named a reduced squad of 19 ahead of the crucial clash this Saturday in the Campos Rugby Quatre Carreres stadium in Valencia (kick-off 12pm in Ireland), which is being streamed live online.

The squad is a combination of professionals from the Super League in England and Australia's NRL, as well as six of Ireland’s strongest players from the domestic team which recently achieved substantial victories against Italy and Malta before losing to Jamaica last weekend.

There were late call ups to the squad for Hayden Peacock (AS Carcassonne) and Stuart Littler (Swinton) asreplacements for the injured Matthew Cahoon and Greg McNally, who is unavailable.

Mark Aston, Ireland Coach said: “Spain will be disappointed after last week’s defeat and we expect them to want to compete in front of their own crowd — that means something. It’s a must-win game for us. We’ve had a couple of sessions and we’re in Spain for two days before the match so we’ll be okay, we have a nucleus of players who have been with the squad for a number of years.

“I’m also looking forward to seeing some of the domestic lads. They have had some games over the last few weeks, recording comfortable wins against Italy and Malta but then coming unstuck against Jamaica’s professional players, so it’ll be interesting to see how they react to that. We know what standards we set ourselves and it’s all about maintaining them in everything we do. We want to be respectful, present ourselves well and ultimately get the job done before heading home to take on Russia.”

Richard Egan, Rugby League Ireland Director said: “The squad assembled this week and are in great form. They understand the importance of this game and know they need to make a statement of intent in this group. Russia have already take a lead and if we are to qualify for the world cup victory is vital.”

Spain lost to Russia 40-6 in the opening game of group B in Moscow last weekend.

Spain coach Darren Fisher  “After our tough trip to Russia last week, this week’s training has been about putting some standards in our game that must be adhered to at this level, and the players have understood and taken them on board. We should see that in our performance this week. We know the Ireland squad will be very well organised and with the professionals in their squad will no doubt be a task for us, but that challenge only adds to our excitement”

Ireland are the seeded team of Group B and only the winner qualifies automatically for the World Cup, with the second placed team facing a play-off against either Wales, Italy or Serbia.

After Spain Ireland will face Russia (October 29th) in Bray. The Rugby League World Cup takes place in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea next autumn.

Irish squad: Gareth Gill (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Chris Hall (Belfast Met Scholars), Joe Keyes (Bradford Bulls), Haydn Peacock (Carcassonne), James Kelly, Mikey Russell (Dublin City Exiles), Alan McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Oliver Roberts (Huddersfield Giants), Casey Dunne (Longhorns RL), Will Hope (Oldham Roughyeds), James Hasson (Parramatta Eels), Matty Hadden (Rochdale Hornets), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Stuart Littler (Swinton), Liam Finn, Scott Grix (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), George King (Warrington Wolves), Dave Allen (Whitehaven).

Staff

·       Mark Aston / Ged Corcoran / Ryan Sheridan - Coaches - 

·       Kat Ferneyhough – Physio 

·       John Morgan - Doctor – Medical

·       Brian Moore - Kitman

The game will be streamed live via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4DNY3Q9dNs 

Big names return for Ireland as RL World Cup qualification campaign starts in Spain

from Rugby League Ireland

Ireland v Spain

Saturday 22nd October, Valencia. 

Kick-off 1.00pm GMT

Ireland welcome their professional players back into the ranks as they begin their Rugby League World Cup qualification campaign in Spain this weekend.

The Wolfhounds take on the Spanish this Saturday in Valencia and victory is vital. Russia have taken an early lead in Group B after beating Spain 40-6 in Moscow last weekend.

As the seeded team in the group Ireland are expected to win this game but will be aware of the potential banana skin that a skilful Spanish side hurting from their loss could be. Spain draws its players mostly from the Basque region who play their rugby league between Spain and France.

Only the winner of the three-team group qualifies automatically for the World Cup, with the second placed team facing a play-off against either Wales, Italy or Serbia.

An Ireland team of only domestic players were outmuscled 68-16 by Jamaica in Bray last weekend after good recent wins over Malta and Italy. However, Ireland will be bolstered by big names from the Super League in England and Australia's NRL when they face Spain.

They include the likes of captain Liam Finn of Wakefield, Warrington Wolves brothers George and Toby King, and James Hasson from the Parramatta Eels.

Richard Egan, Rugby League Ireland Director, said: “The Spaniards are relatively new to the rugby league fold but have made huge steps in a short time and have been very strong in their European Championship games to date.

“With a tough game behind them Spain will be a lot sharper for this match. They have some excellent organisers as well as big aggressive ball carriers.

Ireland require a win against Spain to remain favourites in the hunt for qualification.

“We expect a very tough game in Valencia this weekend. Our players are already focusing their minds on getting the task done.” Richard Egan said. “We have the team and the ability to qualify from our group but need to be respectful and aware of the progress that Spain have made in recent years.

“They will be a huge challenge and although they are new comers to this level we know that they will be well organised and have huge passion to qualify for the World Cup.”

Ireland's 22-man squad to face Spain contains eight domestic players who either play their club rugby league in Ireland or have come through the club system in Ireland.

Following their loss to Russia, Spanish head coach Darren Fisher said: “Our focus is now about bouncing back against Ireland and putting some things right, the boys have got to believe in themselves and pick themselves up and that’s what we’ll try and do.”

After Spain Ireland will face Russia (October 29th) in Bray. The Rugby League World Cup takes place in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea next autumn.

Full Irish squad: G Gill (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), C Hall (Belfast Met Scholars), J Keyes (Bradford), J Kelly, M Russell (Dublin City Exiles), A McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), L Ambler (Halifax), S Grix, O Roberts (Huddersfield), M Cahoon (Ireland Students), G McNally (Leigh), C Dunne (Longhorns RL), W Hope (Oldham), J Hasson (Parramatta), D Bridge (Redcliffe Dolphins), M Hadden (Rochdale), S McDonnell (St Helens), L Finn (Wakefield, capt), G King, T King, J Philbin (Warrington), D Allen (Whitehaven)

Staff

·       Mark Aston / Ged Corcoran / Ryan Sheridan - Coaches - 

·       Kat Ferneyhough – Physio 

·       John Morgan - Doctor – Medical

·       Brian Moore - Kitman

Rugby League : Powerful and abrasive professional Jamaica beat Domestic Irish Team

from Rugby League Ireland

16^th October 2017  Carlisle Showgrounds, Bray

       

IRELAND 16

T: Hall, Phillips, Burekama

C:  J Kelly 2

MALTA 68

T: Barnett 4, A Brown 2, Andrade 2, Farrell, Peltier, Bowman, Reitte,

C: Coleman 10

(HT 10-42)

Ireland got a rude awakening at the hands of a powerful and abrasive Jamaican team when they met in their rugby league international in Bray 

The Reggae Warriors ran in 12 tries as their professional players dominated an all amateur Ireland side shorn of several players including captain Casey Dunne who starred in recent wins over Malta and Italy.

In front of a healthy crowd at a sun-drenched Carlisle Grounds, the Jamaicans boasted a side brimming with physicality and aggression. They proved a much sterner test for the Irish than recent opposition. The Wolfhounds struggled to hold on to possession as they were put under intense pressure in attack and defence by the visitors.

There was a poignant cross-code sporting moment before kick-off prior to kick-off when a minute’s silence was observed for Munster Rugby Union coach Anthony Foley who sadly passed away earlier in the day.

Once the game kicked off it became clear that the Jamaicans meant business. They dominated the tackle and contact areas, and ran in seven tries in the first half — former Hull FC winger Richie Barnett helping himself to a brace of scores.

Ireland responded with tries from hooker Connor Phillips and prop Chris Hall (lead pic) have responded with tries for the home side, but they faced an uphill struggle against bigger opponents.

The second-half saw a spirited effort by the Gareth Gill and Chris Hall using good footwork to get beyond the gainline in contact. Onisi Burekama crossed for the home side’s third try but the Jamaicans were showing their style as well as their force, and Aaron Jones-Bishop was the tormentor in chief with his clever footwork and passing.

Barnett helped himself to another two tries, while opposite winger Alexander Jones also scored twice for the Jamaicans, who face Wales next week.

For Ireland, attention now turns to the World Cup qualifiers, with Ireland facing Spain in Valencia next Saturday before taking on Russia back in Bray on October 29^th.

There will be a very different look to the Ireland team, with the overseas professionals coming in to physically bolster the squad alongside eight domestic players. 

Ireland: Adam Doherty, Rob Armstrong, Paddy James, Alan McMahon, Jordan Hylton, Mickey Russell, James Kelly, Gareth Gill, Connor Philips, Chris Hall, Matt McKelvey, Matt Cahoon, Wayne Kerr. Replacements: Onisis Burekama, Conor Mackey, Sean Kelly, Adam Boyce.

International Rugby League in Bray this weekend : Ireland v Jamaica

from Rugby League Ireland

Ireland in action against Malta last weekend which they won 56 to 10

Reggae Warriors Come to Town

Ireland V Jamaica

Sunday 16th October 3pm The Carlisle Grounds, Bray

• The Irish team will be captained by Rugby League veteran Wayne Kerr
• Kerr to retire from international rugby league after the match

The Jamaican Rugby League team roll into town this weekend ahead of their international match on Sunday 16th October at 3pm against an Irish team buoyed by recent wins over Italy and Malta.

This will be the first meeting of the teams at full international level and Jamaica will be keen to put down a marker against a strong Irish team before they take on Wales the following week.

Richard Egan RLI Director said: “Having the opportunity to play against Jamaica is something we are relishing at RLI. We have never met before at this level but are keen to support their own development as we have with our own domestic players in recent years. This Jamaican team will take great confidence from their recent games against USA and Canada. We don’t know what to expect from our guests but we do know they will have explosive speed and power and bring a huge spectacle to Bray.

“Keeping the structure to our game will be key as any broken play will be exactly what Jamaica will be looking for. We faced a Jamaican side in the Capital 9s some years ago in London. They were the standout side, both on and off the field. They certainly know how to have fun and play the game with huge intensity and we know they will bring that to Bray this weekend.”

Last weekend Ireland beat Malta 56-10. Following the game seven players from that match were named in the World Cup Qualifying Squad that will take on Spain and Russia. With the exception of Domestic Team Captain Casey Dunne, who is been rested for this match, the remaining six have been named in the panel of home-based players who will face Jamaica in this friendly international at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray this Sunday.

The Irish team will be captained by Rugby League veteran Wayne Kerr who will be retiring after the game from international rugby. Part of the 2008 World Cup Squad he previously played for London Skolars and Carlow Crusaders.

Carl De Chenu, domestic squad coach, said “We're expecting Jamaica to be a serious step up in class from any team we've faced before. Our boys are relishing the opportunity to test themselves against a squad of entirely professional players plying their trade in the UK. We've been steadily improving as a team and this will be a true test of how much we've developed.

 "We'll make a few changes to the team as some of the lads will be involved in next week’s World Cup qualifier against Spain and need a rest. Senior International and Captain Casey Dunne will be one of those lads so we'll give him a week off. Wayne Kerr who has been a true legend of Irish Rugby League will take over as captain for his last ever International. Wayne plans to retire and join the coaching staff of our Student team to pass on his wisdom to the next generation of Irish stars"

Both teams will host their captains run at the Carlisle grounds this Saturday which will be followed by the teams having a walkabout in Bray. It promises to be a colourful affair for the Wicklow town.

Captains Run

Jamaica 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm Saturday 15th October

Ireland 6 pm Saturday 15th October

Jamaican Walkabout – 5.30

Tickets for the game will be available at the grounds.

Ireland squad to face Jamaica (kick-off 3pm): Rob Armstrong (Cork Bulls), Adam Boyce (Belfast Met Scholars), Sam Boyd (Belfast Met Scholars), Onisi Burekama (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Matt Cahoon (Belfast Met Scholars), Adam Doherty (Portadown Pumas), Gareth Gill (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Chris Hall (Belfast Met Scholars), Jordan Hylton (Selected through domestic trials) & (Cardiff Metropolitan University), Paddy James (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Shane Kelly (Longhorns RL), James Kelly (Dublin City Exiles), Wayne Kerr CAPTAIN (Longhorns RL), Conor Mackey (Galway Tribesmen), Matt McKelvey (Belfast Met Scholars), Alan McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), Connor Phillips (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), John Purdy (Portadown Pumas), Mikey Russell (Dublin City Exiles).

Jamaica squad

1. Gregory Johnson 2. Richard Barnett 3. Joseph Brown 4. Wayne Reittie 5. Alexander Brown 6. Daniel Thomas 7. Jy-mel Arron Coleman 8. Zach Braham 9. Joel Farrell 10. Jordan Philip Andrade 11. Baasit  Agoro 12. Aaron  Jones-Bishop 13. Corey Hanson 14. Jode Sheriffe 15. Ross Peltier 16. Keenen Tomlinson 17. Kadeem Williams 18. Reece Williams 19. Joshua Hill

20. Glenn Adam Morrison: Manager 21. Jermaine Coleman: Coach 22. David   Ryan :Physio

Ireland announce squad for Rugby League World Cup qualifiers

from Rugby League Ireland

Eight domestic players included in 22-man World Cup Qualifying Squad

Ireland have announced their 22-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Russia later this month — naming eight players who have come through the Irish domestic league alongside 14 professionals.

The increased representation from Ireland’s amateur ranks follows the recent announcement of a new selection policy, where squads for World Cup and European Championship competitions must include a minimum of 6 players that have played club rugby in Ireland. Squads for other international matches must have a minimum of 8 domestic players.

Seven of the eight domestic players in the World Cup squad are also in the panel of home-based players who will face Jamaica in an international friendly at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray this Sunday.

Richard Egan, Rugby League Ireland Director said: “This squad is a real testament to the quality of game that had been developing in Ireland over the last few years – not just those who have been picked but a number of domestic players who are pushing for inclusion.

“We are all looking forward to a new era in Irish Rugby League. We have shown our amateur players that there is a real opportunity to represent your country on the biggest stages for our sport if they want to grasp it. They have the chance to prove us right. We have confidence in them that they will perform over the next month as we try to qualify for the World Cup in 2017.”

The back bone of the squad is made up of players from clubs in Super League and the Championship in England, and the National Rugby League in Australia.

Ireland’s leading points scorer Liam Finn of the Wakefield Wildcats will captain the team in their bid to qualify for the 2017 World Cup. Other professional players returning home for the matches against Russia and Spain at the end of the month are brothers George and Toby King who alongside their team mate Joe Philbin all play for Warrington. Luke Ambler of Halifax, Scott Grix and Oliver Roberts of Huddersfield are joined by outgoing St Helens full-back Shannon McDonnell. James Hasson (Parramatta), Danny Bridge (Redcliffe Dolphins) are traveling from Australia to help secure Ireland’s qualification.

"I'm looking forward to playing and captaining Ireland in the World Cup qualifiers once more," Finn said. "Nothing will surpass the pride I have to play for Ireland alongside some of my closest friends.

"To qualify for next year's World Cup is our goal and to get there essential, in my opinion, for the continued development of rugby league in Ireland. 

"Hopefully we get the chance of a lifetime to play in Australia and I'm sure the qualifying games will live to expectation."

Making up the remainder of the team are the domestic players who were selected based on their recent form in both the All Ireland League and the recent International friendlies against Italy and Malta.

Leading the charge was James Kelly (pic), from the Dublin City Exiles, whose excellent form was on show last weekend where he scored a brace of tries and converted 18 points to bring his personal tally up to 26 in Ireland's 58-10 warm-up win over Malta in Bray on Saturday.

Accompanying him are Irish domestic team captain Casey Dunne of the Meath based Longhorns, Alan McMahon, Galway Tribesmen, Matt Cahoon, Ireland Students, Gareth Gill Ballynahinch Rabbitohs, Chris Hall (Belfast Met Scholars) and Mikey Russell also of the Dublin City Exiles. Matty Hadden is a product of Antrim Eels who now plays for Rochdale

Presently ranked 6th in the World Ireland will need to beat both Spain and Russia in order to qualify to play in the WC in 2017.

Ireland will play matches against Jamaica (October 16th, Friendly) at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray, Co Wicklow, World Cup qualifiers against Spain (October 22nd) in Valencia, and Russia (October 29th) in Bray. The Rugby League World Cup takes place in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea next autumn.

Full squad: G Gill (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), C Hall (Belfast Met Scholars), J Keyes (Bradford), J Kelly, M Russell (Dublin City Exiles), A McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), L Ambler (Halifax), S Grix, O Roberts (Huddersfield), M Cahoon (Ireland Students), G McNally (Leigh), C Dunne (Longhorns RL), W Hope (Oldham), J Hasson (Parramatta), D Bridge (Redcliffe Dolphins), M Hadden (Rochdale), S McDonnell (St Helens), L Finn (Wakefield, capt), G King, T King, J Philbin (Warrington), D Allen (Whitehaven)

Staff

• Mark Aston / Ged Corcoran / Ryan Sheridan - Coaches -  
• Kat Ferneyhough – Physio  
• John Morgan - Doctor – Medical
• Brian Moore - Kitman