Ireland U20s have enjoyed a successful Six Nations campaign thus far, with plenty of exciting talent within the ranks. Two of our own have made an impact on this year’s championship and hope to put on another sterling performance in the final game against Scotland in their pursuit of the title.
Hugh Gavin and Finn Treacy have shined in this year’s tournament with this year being Hugh’s second tournament under Richie Murphy where he played an integral part in their Grand Slam win and World Rugby U20 Championship campaign.
Meanwhile, this is Finn’s debut in a green jersey and has certainly stepped up to the plate with some strong performances throughout the competition.
Their Six Nations journey began in the Stade Maurice David where they got their revenge over the French after defeat in the U20 Championship final in 2023. Both Wegians etched their name on the scoresheet with Hugh taking the lead in the 52nd minute with a line break. Finn would score Ireland’s fourth with some clever footwork to kick the ball into the try zone and would help secure vengeance over the French. Ending 37-31, it was a cracking game of rugby and a star-making performance from Hugh who won the Player of the Match award.
Their game against the Italians would be even tighter with a narrow 23-22 win over tricky opposition. Both players started and had to dig deep to win with a late 74thminute winner sealing the game for the Irish.
Thankfully, it was a less stressful affair for the lads when they took on Wales in round 3 of the championship with a 43-7 victory. Both Hugh and Finn played their part with Hugh scoring Ireland’s second try of the game while Finn assisted Ben O’Connor’s late try with a superb line break and carefully weighted pass to put Ben over.
Their greatest challenge came against the English who led the way with three bonus point wins in succession. After finding themselves 10-3 down in the first ten minutes, Treacy brought the Irish back into the game. On the end of a perfect cross-field kick, he burst past the English fly-half and dotted down behind the posts for his second of the tournament. Both teams gave it their all in a nailbiter, and the Irish snagged a last-minute try to secure a 32-all draw in Bath.
The Irish are one point behind England who will play France in the Six Nations finale. Meanwhile the Irish will finish their campaign at home to Scotland. Both players had played their part in this championship, scoring two tries and Hugh in the top 5 for carries and metres for the tournament. Having started every single game, they will certainly be in action this weekend as they look for a third U20s Six Nations in a row.
