The Ulster scrum-half will lead the side in Denver, Colorado, on Wednesday, the first of up to three games over the next two weeks.

Bryan Young and Sean Cronin start at prop and hooker respectively and Tony Buckley, who scored a try against Canada last month, is selected at tight head.

Donnacha Ryan and Devon Toner make up the second row partnership, while Ireland A tour captain John Muldoon, after starting both Tests last month, is named among the replacements.

Ireland A team: Bryan Young, Sean Cronin, Tony Buckley, Donnacha Ryan, Devon Toner, Neil Best, Sean O’Brien, Chris Henry, Isaac Boss, Niall O'Connor, Johne Murphy, Keith Matthews, Fergus McFadden, Fionn Carr, Denis Hurley.

Replacements: Dennis Fogarty, Cian Healy, Trevor Hogan, John Muldoon, Frank Murphy, Jonathan Sexton , James Downey.

Ireland Churchill Cup Schedule

June 10: Ireland A v Canada, Infinity Park, Glendale, Colorado
June 14: Georgia v Ireland A, Infinity Park
June 21: Finals day, Dicks Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado