The uncapped Ireland players in 6 Nations squad!
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Rory Scannell - Munster
The Douglas native was first introduced to rugby when attending PBC, Cork. Scannell went on to represent Ireland at Ireland U18 Schools in 2011 when they won the FIRA-AER European Championship and Ireland U20’s, where he started every game of the 2013 U20 6 Nations and also featured in every match of the U20 Junior World Championship in France later that year, playing across the backline.
The 23-year-old plays his club rugby with Dolphin RFC and he secured a place in Munster Rugby Academy at the beginning of the 2013/14 season, due to his good form and versatility. Having impressed with the Munster ‘A’ side he became a key player in the side. Scannell went on to represent the senior ranks during his time in the academy and won inclusion in the victorious Emerging Ireland squad at the 2015 Tbilisi Cup.
Scannell began the 2015/16 season with two consecutive PRO12 starts against and the final year academy player went on to make the number 12 jersey is own from December. Joined by his brother Niall in the starting line-up, the Scannells become the first set of brothers to start for Munster in the PRO12 in December’s clash away to Newport-Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade.
Rory was promoted from the academy ranks to a development contract at the start of the 2016/17 season, he has played a crucial role in securing Munster a home quarter-final of the Champions Cup forming a deadly combination with Jaco Taute and will advance to a full contract for season 2017/18. Rory was called up for Ireland's final game in November against Australia and although he missed out on the match-day squad, he was at the Aviva as the 24th man.
Andrew Conway - Munster
During his time in school, Conway won the 2009 Leinster Schools Senior Cup with Blackrock College playing alongside Jordi Murphy, Brendan Macken and Denis Buckley.
Conway was involved in the victorious Ireland U20 squad that won the 6 Nations championsip in 2010, he signed a professional contract with Leinster following the 2010 JWC - winning 42 caps during a successful period with the province - winning the Pro 12 and the Challenge Cup in the process.
Following a spell with Leinster, Conway joined Munster at the start of the 2013/2014 season. The winger has played 66 times for Munster - a strong 2015/16 season saw Conway make 22 appearances, score four tries and pick up his first man of the match accolade for the province.
In March he was added to the Ireland training squad for the final round of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations. He recently signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the province until June 2018.
Since returning from injury, Conway has returned to some of his best ever form and was a stand out in Munster's weekend win against Racing 92 setting up a game-clinching score after an initial break before off loading for the score.
Niall Scannell - Munster
The older brother of Rory, Niall has made the No.2 shirt his own at Munster, his first call up to the senior squad will see the hooker face stiff competition from Leinster hooker James Tracy, who made his debut v Canada in the November International, to provide the back-up role to Rory Best on the Ireland bench. Scannell has enjoyed a prolonged spell in the Munster starting team
Niall captained the Ireland U20s at the 2012 Junior World Championships in South Africa and made his British and Irish Cup debut in January 2013.
He secured a development contract for season 2013/14 after completing two years of the academy programme while his younger brother Rory was promoted to the academy.
In the 14/15 campaign was involved with the B&I Cup campaign for Munster 'A' and finished out the season with five PRO12 appearances while securing a two-year full contract. However, the 2015/2016 proved to be a breakthrough season- making 23 appearances, starting 10 games, including European debut against Leicester Tigers at Thomond Park.
Scannell has impressed in recent times and has impacted games with his size and physicality in recent times. His work with scrum-coach Jerry Flannery has improved his game considerably and he has now become one of the first names on Rassie Erasmus' team sheet.