Leitrim native set to line up for Spain against Ireland in key u20 world championship fixture

Leitrim will have a native involved when Ireland U20s face Spain in the World Rugby U20 Championship 11th-place playoff on Saturday — but he won’t be wearing green.

The competition, which concludes tomorrow, will see Liam McNamee of Carrick-on-Shannon Rugby Club line out for Spain as they take on Ireland in a match to avoid finishing last in the 12-team tournament.

McNamee, who qualifies under the parentage rule, is a former Sligo Grammar School student and was named in Spain’s final 30-man squad for the championships after training with the squad in recent weeks.

Born in Valencia but living in Leitrim Village, Liam is the son of Donal McNamee of Archway Products in Jamestown. He is currently studying Financial Maths and Economics at the University of Galway.

Spain, still a developing rugby nation, remain winless in the competition following defeats to France, Wales, and Argentina. However, McNamee has been a regular presence in the squad and their narrow loss to eventual finalists Argentina will give them some encouragement heading into the playoff.

Ireland, meanwhile, will be licking their wounds after pool stage defeats to New Zealand and Italy. Like Spain, they will be fighting to avoid a last-place finish in what has been a disappointing campaign.

Interestingly, both teams will line out with the same number of Connacht players.

McNamee has enjoyed a strong run of form recently, including selection for the Connacht Junior Men’s Squad for the Junior Interprovincial Series in May.

The semi-finals and final of the U20 Championship will take place between July 14 and 19. Ireland had been drawn in Pool C alongside New Zealand, Georgia, and hosts Italy.

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Leitrim native set to line up for Spain against Ireland in key u20 world championship fixture

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