Wales and Ireland have confirmed their squads for the winner-takes-all decider in the inaugural men’s Celtic Cup. The senior international, for world ranking points as well as silverware, will take place at The Wern, Merthyr Tydfil tomorrow, Saturday, (kick off 3pm, local time).
There are three potential changes for the hosts following their 38-0 win in Scotland last week, with two possible debutants. Jackson Connor is in line for his first senior Welsh cap as is Mason Phillips, while London Broncos’ Matt Ross could also feature for a fifth time. Wales men’s head coach, Paul Berry, commented: “We’re really looking forward to this one. Ireland are a strong side and we know we’ll have to be at our best to get the result we want. The players did a fantastic job in Scotland last week in the worst weather conditions, but we’ve got to carry that momentum into this game and finish the job.
“To have the chance to win the Celtic Cup in front of our own supporters is a great opportunity. A draw would be enough, but we’re not going out there to play for that. We want to win, make it three victories in a row for the first time since 2015 and bring a trophy home to Wales.” Ireland could also field three new faces with Jamie Coop, Banbridge Broncos’ Eoin Ratchford and Joe Allison in contention after their win in Hawick. “The lads are really looking forward to the game,” said Ireland head coach Ged Corcoran.
“I’m very grateful to Scotland and Wales for agreeing to play these games for the Celtic Cup and it’s great to be on the eve of the final. The lads have really come together over the past month or so and we’ve given those from our pathways program a great opportunity to play senior internationals. “Our senior players have really helped them feel comfortable and filled them with confidence. This game will challenge us in different areas, we need to be sharp, composed and patient.”
Wales squad
Tokoaitua Owen (Brisbane Broncos), Jackson Connor (Carina Tigers), Sam Grice (Castleford Tigers), Connor Davies, Curtis Davies (Halifax Panthers), Charlie Newton (Huddersfield Giants), Ant Walker (Hunslet RLFC), Will Jones, Matt Ross (London Broncos), Taine Woodford (Newcastle Knights), Sam Bowring, Oliver Garmston, Fin Yates (Salford RLFC), Lewis Ingram (WRL Students/Bridgend Blue Bulls), Mason Phillips (WRL Students/South Wales Jets), Ed Williams (Warrington Wolves), Matty Fozard, Mike Butt (Widnes Vikings), Sam Dickenson (Wigan Warriors)
Ireland squad
Joe Allison (Bedford Tigers), Kyle Barrett (Galway Tribesmen), Lewis Wing (Hull KR), Bobby Barton (Leigh Leopards), Oisin Carroll (Longhorns), Daniel Coop, Jamie Coop (Warrington Wolves), James Farrar, Ryan Hogg (Dublin City Exiles), Lachlan Lanskey (Keighley Cougars), Aaron Lynch, Danny Lynch (Swinton Lions), Aidan McGowan (Midlands Hurricanes), Pat Moran, Declan O’Donnell, Eoin Ratchford (Banbridge Broncos), Kian Roberts (Hull KR), Baily Tait (Goole Vikings), Michael Ward (Batley Bulldogs), Oliver Whitford (Rochdale Hornets)
