Emerging Ireland

The team was created to offer Tier 1 level opposition for Tier 2 sides in the IRB Tbilisi Cup, held in Tbilisi, Georgia.{{cite web|url=http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2066239.html |title=Georgia to host IRB Tbilisi Cup in June |date=9 April 2013 |work=irb.com |access-date=19 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427063050/http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid%3D2066239.html |archive-date=27 April 2013 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/28903.php |title='Emerging Ireland' Heading To Tbilisi |date=9 April 2013 |work=irishrugby.ie |access-date=20 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412213455/http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/28903.php |archive-date=12 April 2013 }} Allen Clarke, Ian Costello and Joey Miles managed the team, with Rhys Ruddock as captain.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/28908.php |title=Coaching Team Confirmed For 'Emerging Ireland' |date=10 April 2013 |work=irishrugby.ie |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427095228/http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/28908.php |archive-date=27 April 2013 }}

In Emerging Ireland's opening match, they faced hosts Georgia. This match was won by the Emerging side 20–15 in their first ever game.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/29307.php |title=Keatley Kicks Emerging Ireland To Hard-Fought Win |date=7 June 2013 |work=irishrugby.ie |access-date=7 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619010703/http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/29307.php |archive-date=19 June 2013 }} In their second match, South Africa President's XV beat Emerging Ireland 19–8,{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/29341.php |title=Emerging Ireland Suffer Tbilisi Defeat |date=11 June 2013 |work=irishrugby.ie |access-date=12 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115070741/http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/29341.php |archive-date=15 January 2014 }} before Emerging Ireland beat Uruguay 42–33 on 16 June 2013 to secure a second-place finish in the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/29387.php |title=Second Place Finish For Emerging Ireland |date=16 June 2013 |work=irishrugby.ie |access-date=16 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115175458/http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/29387.php |archive-date=15 January 2014 }}

The squad for the tournament was named on 19 May 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/29180.php|title=Ireland Squads Announced For Summer Tours|date=19 May 2013|work=irishrugby.ie|access-date=19 May 2013}} The initial squad featured four internationally capped players; Michael Bent, Seán Cronin, Ian Keatley and Rhys Ruddock the captain. However, Cronin was called up to the senior squad on 26 May 2013, thus lowering the international players from four to three. The remaining twenty three players, had, at the time, not played for Ireland internationally or at test level.

On 1 April 2014, it was announced that Emerging Ireland would take part in the 2014 edition of the IRB Nations Cup in Bucharest, Romania. Dan McFarland, Connacht assistant coach at the time, was appointed as head coach and Ulster backs coach, Neil Doak was chosen to assist him.{{cite web | url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/irish-international/2014/0401/605919-emerging-ireland-to-compete-in-romania/ | title=Emerging Ireland to compete in Romania | publisher=RTÉ | date = 1 April 2014 | access-date = 1 April 2014}}

In the first game of the cup Emerging Ireland beat Russia by a score of 66–0 at 45 minutes into the game, when it was stopped by the referee, Ian Davies, because of a storm and fears for the players safety. The match included 10 tries,3 of those from Andrew Conway. This was Emerging Ireland's largest ever win in international rugby. Dan McFarland's side beat Uruguay 51–3 in their second game to set up the last game against Romania as a title decider. This game turned out to be the closest of all their games but Emerging Ireland still ran out at 31–10 winners to secure the IRB nations cup with 3 bonus point victories.{{cite web|url=http://www.irb.com/nationscup/fixturesresults/index.html |title=International Rugby Board - Nations Cup |access-date=2012-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625104621/http://www.irb.com/nationscup/fixturesresults/index.html |archive-date=2012-06-25 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.irb.com/nationscup/standings/index.html |title=International Rugby Board - Nations Cup |access-date=2012-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625102821/http://www.irb.com/nationscup/standings/index.html |archive-date=2012-06-25 }}

Emerging Ireland won the 2015 Tbilisi Cup tournament with three from three victories, taking the Tbilisi Cup for their first ever time.{{cite web|url= http://www.the42.ie/emerging-ireland-georgia-tbilisi-cup-2174212-Jun2015/|title=Emerging Ireland claim Tbilisi Cup after win over hosts Georgia|date=21 June 2015|work=The 42|accessdate=22 June 2015}}{{cite web|url= https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2015/0621/709598-emerging-ireland/|title=Emerging Ireland ease past Georgia to lift Tbilisi Cup|date=21 June 2015|work=RTE Sport|accessdate=22 June 2015}}

After a significant haitus, Emerging Ireland re-emerged, but with a different purpose, providing development opportunities for young senior players in international conditions, Simon Easterby was appointed head coach of the Emerging Ireland squad for their three fixtures against South African Currie Cup sides in Autumn 2022.{{cite web |title=Simon Easterby named in charge of Emerging Ireland squad for South Africa tour |url=https://www.the42.ie/emerging-ireland-squad-5853907-Aug2022/ |website=the42 |access-date=31 August 2022}}{{cite web |title=Emerging Ireland Squad to Play Three Fixtures in South Africa |url=https://www.irishrugby.ie/2022/08/31/emerging-ireland-squad-to-play-three-fixtures-in-south-africa/ |website=Irish Rugby |access-date=31 August 2022}} Ireland won their first match of the tour beating the Griquas 54–7 at Toyota Stadium.{{cite web |title=Crowley impresses at 10 as Emerging Ireland hammer the Griquas |url=https://www.the42.ie/emerging-ireland-griquas-2-5881032-Sep2022/ |website=the42 |access-date=30 September 2022}} They won their second match of the tour with a 28–24 victory over the Pumas.{{cite web |title=Emerging Ireland survive late scare to seal second win in South Africa |url=https://www.the42.ie/emerging-ireland-pumas-report-5884965-Oct2022/ |website=the42 |access-date=5 October 2022}} Emerging Ireland completed a sweep of their tour of South Africa on 9 October with a 21–14 win over the Cheetahs.{{cite web |title=Emerging Ireland hold off Cheetahs to wrap up unbeaten tour of South Africa |url=https://www.the42.ie/cheetahs-v-emerging-ireland-5888736-Oct2022/ |website=the42 |access-date=9 October 2022}}

Emerging Ireland returned to South Africa in October 2024 for a three match tour against the Pumas, Western Force and the Cheetahs.{{cite web |title=Easterby To Lead Emerging Ireland Tour To South Africa |url=https://www.irishrugby.ie/2024/06/11/easterby-to-lead-emerging-ireland-tour-to-south-africa/ |website=Irish Rugby |access-date=4 October 2024}} They started their tour with a 36-24 victory over the Pumas in Bloemfontein.{{cite web |title=Emerging Ireland kickstart tour with six-try victory |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2024/1002/1473228-emerging-ireland-kickstart-tour-with-six-try-victory/ |website=RTE |access-date=4 October 2024}} Ireland beat the Western Force 29–24 in its second match of the tour.{{cite web |title=Sam Prendergast steers Emerging Ireland to hard-fought win over Western Force |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2024/10/06/sam-prendergast-steers-emerging-ireland-to-hard-fought-win-over-western-force/ |website=Irish Times |access-date=7 October 2024}} Emerging Ireland secured their second Toyota Challenge crown with a 24–33 victory over the Cheetahs going three for three on their South Africa tour.{{cite web |title=Emerging Ireland finish with a flourish to go three for three in South Africa |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2024/10/09/emerging-ireland-finish-with-a-flourish-to-make-it-three-for-three-in-south-africa/ |website=The Irish Times |access-date=10 October 2024}}

Up to date as of 9 October 2024

• Toyota Challenge
• Winners: 2 (2022, 2024)
• World Rugby Nations Cup
• Winners: 1 (2014)
• World Rugby Tbilisi Cup
• Winners: 1 (2015)
• Runners-Up: 1 (2013)

Emerging Ireland 35-man squad for the Toyota Challenge was announced on 14 September 2022.{{cite web |title=Emerging Ireland Squad Named For Toyota Challenge In Bloemfontein |url=https://www.irishrugby.ie/2022/09/14/emerging-ireland-squad-named-for-toyota-challenge-in-bloemfontein/ |website=Irish Rugby}} Caps listed are those earned playing for the Ireland national rugby union team.

Head Coach: Simon Easterby

{{nat rs start}}

{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=Thomas Clarkson|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2000|2|22|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Leinster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=Sam Illo|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2001|2|16|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Connacht|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=Michael Milne|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1999|2|23|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Leinster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=Callum Reid|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1999|1|16|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Ulster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=Roman Salanoa|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1997|10|28|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Munster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=Josh Wycherley|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1999|7|22|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Munster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=HK|name=Diarmuid Barron|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1998|8|6|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Munster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=HK|name=Tom Stewart|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2001|1|11|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Ulster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=HK|name=Dylan Tierney-Martin|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1999|6|20|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Connacht|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name=Tom Ahern|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2000|2|22|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Munster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name=Brian Deeny|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2000|2|3|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Leinster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name=Cormac Izuchukwu|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2000|1|28|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Ulster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name=Joe McCarthy|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2001|3|26|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Leinster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name=Cian Prendergast|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2000|2|23|df=y}}|caps=3|club=Connacht|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=FL|name=James Culhane|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2002|10|22|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Leinster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=FL|name=John Hodnett|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1999|1|10|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Munster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=FL|name=Alex Kendellen|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2001|3|21|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Munster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=FL|name=Scott Penny|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1999|9|22|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Leinster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=FL|name=Alex Soroka|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2001|2|19|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Leinster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=N8|name=Max Deegan|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1996|10|1|df=y}}|caps=1|club=Leinster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=SH|name=Caolin Blade|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1994|4|29|df=y}}|caps=1|club=Connacht|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=SH|name=Nathan Doak|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2001|12|17|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Ulster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=SH|name=Michael McDonald|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1999|6|24|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Ulster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=FH|name=Jack Crowley|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2000|1|13|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Munster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=FH|name=Jake Flannery|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1999|6|7|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Ulster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name=Ciaran Frawley|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1997|12|4|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Leinster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name=Antoine Frisch|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1996|6|26|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Munster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name=Stewart Moore|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1999|8|8|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Ulster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name=Jamie Osbourne|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2001|11|16|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Leinster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name=Robert Baloucoune|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1997|8|19|df=y}}|caps=2|club=Ulster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name=Shane Daly|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1996|12|19|df=y}}|caps=2|club=Munster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name=Calvin Nash|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|1997|8|8|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Munster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name=Andrew Smith|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2000|7|21|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Leinster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=FB|name=Ethan McIlroy|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2000|8|10|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Ulster|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat rs player|pos=FB|name=Chay Mullins|age={{birth date and age2|2022|9|14|2002|1|23|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Connacht|clubnat=IRE|natvar=rugby union}}

{{nat fs end}}

:Correct as of 9 October 2024

• Ireland national rugby union team
• Ireland Wolfhounds
• Ireland national under-20 rugby union team
• IRB Tbilisi Cup
• IRB Nations Cup

{{reflist}}

{{Ireland national rugby union team}}

{{Rugby union in Ireland}}

{{Nations Cup}}

{{IRB Tbilisi Cup}}

Emerging