The IRFU announced earlier this week that Allen Clarke will take charge of the “Emerging Ireland” squad for the inaugural IRB Tblisi Cup in Georgia this JUne.
In what appears to be a partial replacement for the Churchill Cup the new annual tournament is part of the International Rugby Board’s ongoing strategy of increasing the competition schedule for tier 2 nations.
The Emerging Ireland team will be battling it out against some of the strongest developing nations in world rugby, with hosts Georgia and a South Africa President’s XV among the sides taking part
Back-to-back matches will be played on each of the three match days of June 7, 11 and 16 in the Georgian capital with the teams competing in a round robin format.
The confirmation of the final participating team line-ups and the tournament draw will be made over the coming weeks.
Clarke will be assisted by Munster skills coach and former UL Bohemians director of rugby Ian Costello.
The Ireland senior squad, under the watchful eye of interim head coach Les Kiss, will also be in action during the summer with the tour to North America including two Test matches against the USA . . .
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