Diarmuid Kelly, the Tournament Director of the Under-18 Six Nations Festival which was recently held in Cork, tells IrishRugby.ie that taking part in age grade tournaments is vital for the future of international player development.
A very well-run and hugely enjoyable Under-18 Six Nations Festival wrapped up on Tuesday with the final round of matches being followed by the closing ceremony at City Hall in Cork.
A stunning second half comeback from Wales helped them beat France 25-13 and ensured that they finished their Under-18 Six Nations Festival campaign unbeaten, following this exiting game at Temple Hill on Tuesday.
England won their third match in succession in the final round of games at the Under-18 Six Nations Festival as they comfortably beat Scotland 32-5 at Musgrave Park on Tuesday.
Ireland finished their 2008 Under-18 Six Nations Festival campaign on a positive note on Tuesday afternoon as they won their final game, beating Italy 17-15 at Cork Institute of Technology.
Two of the unbeaten teams at the Under-18 Six Nations Festival in Cork go head to head tomorrow at Musgrave Park when Scotland and England clash at 2.30pm.
Ireland Under-18 Schools coach Peter Melia has made sweeping changes to his team ahead of their final outing against Italy in the Under-18 Six Nations Festival (sponsored by The Bowen Group).
Wales are hoping to make it three wins out of three in this year's Under-18 Six Nations Festival in Cork, but the young Welsh players will be sternly tested by France who are on the hunt for a first victory.
Italy are hoping grab their last chance to win a game at the ongoing Under-18 Six Nations Festival in Cork when they take on the tournament hosts Ireland during the final round of games on Wednesday.
Wales continued their good run of form at the 2008 Under-18 Six Nations Festival, running in seven tries in a convincing win over Italy at UCC's Mardyke ground.