Four Buccaneers players have been named in Ireland squads for the forthcoming RBS Six Nations championships. Robbie Henshaw is, of course, already a key component of Joe Schimdt’s senior squad, while a trio of even younger Buccs - Rory Moloney, Stephen McVeigh, and Cian Romaine - have been included in the Ireland u20 squad by coach Nigel Carolan. Their first outing is an away game against Italy on February 6, and they tackle champions France in an Electric Ireland fixture at Dubarry Park, Athlone on Friday February 13.
Stephen McVeigh’s family have a long association with Buccaneers, including the Glasson native’s eldest brother Joe being a former captain of the club. Stephen has been a regular on Buccaneers Seniors’ back row this season while he played at No 8 in the Clongowes Wood College team that contested the 2014 Leinster Schools Cup final.
Rory Moloney is another richly-promising flanker who made his senior debut for Buccs last season. The previous year he was a member of the Cistercian College, Roscrea team that reached the Leinster Senior Schools decider when also played for Ireland u18s. The Abbeyleix native captained the Ireland u19 team last season and has also played with Connacht Eagles and previously represented Leinster at various underage grades.
Cian Romaine has also played with Ireland u19s and Connacht Eagles. The imposing lock is a Londoner but his mother hails from south-west Roscommon, hence his connection with Buccaneers. A student at GMIT, he has featured for Connacht Eagles as well as playing for Buccs u20s.
Tickets are now on sale for the greatly anticipated Ireland v France clash on February 13, with kick-off at 7.05pm. Tickets can be bought at The Bounty or contact the club’s administrator Geraldine at (086 ) 1732711 (9am-3pm weekdays ) or email [email protected] to book. A pre-match function takes place in The Bounty. Cover charge is €50 for three-course dinner with wine and a reserved seat in the stand.
Concession vouchers for u16s are available to schools and clubs in the region. Present your voucher at the turnstiles and you could win an Ireland jersey signed by Robbie Henshaw. Discounts are also available for school or club groups. Contact Geraldine for further details.
