Sevens star Ward named in Emerging Ireland squad

Ireland sevens star Zac Ward has been named in the squad for Emerging Ireland's tour of South Africa.

Wing Ward has been on trial with Ulster after impressing in Ireland's Sevens campaign at the Paris Olympics.

The 25-year-old is one of six Ulster players named in the squad along with Cormac Izuchukwu, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Jude Postlethwaite and Jack Murphy.

Ulster forward Izuchukwu is one of two players who were involved in the last Emerging Ireland tour in 2022, along with Leinster's James Culhane.

Emerging Ireland will play three matches in South Africa against the Pumas (2 October), Western Force (6 October) and the Cheetahs (9 October).

The tour will be led by Simon Easterby, who will take charge of Ireland's senior team for Andy Farrell's duration as head coach of the British and Irish Lions.

Munster's Alex Kendellen has been named captain for the tour.

The IRFU says the tour is a chance "to challenge the players in a national team environment, providing them with a window to impress the coaches and train and play to the national team’s tactical and technical approach".

A number of players who were involved in the Emerging Ireland tour in 2022 have since established themselves in the senior set-up, including Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Calvin Nash and Joe McCarthy.

Forwards: Jack Aungier (Connacht), Jack Boyle (Leinster), James Culhane (Leinster), Jordan Duggan (Connacht), Sean Edogbo (Munster), Ronan Foxe (Munster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Sean Jansen (Connacht), Alex Kendellen (Munster)(captain), Gus McCarthy (Leinster), Darragh Murray (Connacht), Evan O'Connell (Munster), Conor O'Tighearnaigh (Leinster), Danny Sheahan (Munster), Harry Sheridan (Ulster), Stephen Smyth (Leinster), Alex Soroka (Leinster), Scott Wilson (Ulster)

Backs: Shayne Bolton (Connacht), Hugh Cooney (Leinster), Ethan Coughlan (Munster), Matthew Devine (Connacht), Cormac Foley (Leinster), Hugh Gavin (Connacht), Jack Murphy (Ulster), Tommy O'Brien (Leinster), Sean O'Brien (Munster), Ben O'Connor (Munster), Andrew Osborne (Leinster), Jude Postlethwaite (Ulster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Rob Russell (Leinster), Zac Ward (Ulster/Ireland Sevens).