Wales defeated Ireland in the U16s Four Nations tournaments, in a doubleheader held at the Westmanstown Sports Complex, Dublin.

Their U16s extended their unbeaten run to ten matches with a 64-20 win, 

There was nothing between the sides for the opening half hour of the U16s clash, skipper Charley Eatly – who finished with four touchdowns - and hooker Zac Nottingham crossed early, Jack Parrott converting both to give the visitors an early 12-0 lead; Paddy White, winger Noah Walsh and Max Cooney reply for Ireland, Joseph Clarke converting two to put them 16-12 in front.

Leighton Clarke and Rhys Anthony replied for Wales, but Ireland were only 22-20 adrift when Callum McDonald went over before the break.

The second half was one-way traffic, second rower Eatly superb, while Frazer Redman, Jacob Maund, Scott Hewitt and Nottingham again also went over.

Wales U16s head coach, Tom Marsh, said: “There was some high-quality rugby on display from both teams. Ireland built momentum well in the first half, in the second, we started to play more to our game plan and completed our sets much better. 

“It was also really encouraging to see the continued development of the game in Ireland, with 12 Irish-born players included in their squad.”

Ireland pathways coach,  Wayne Kerr, noted:  “It was a tough day for the lads. We had a few out there that hadn’t played league before and it was the team’s first hit out together. We started well and completed high which was a goal for the team.

“The biggest positive was that the lads never gave up and kept competing for the full 80 minutes, that’s something to bring forward for the rest of the tournament.”

IRELAND 20
Aaron Rothwell, Laoch Leonard, Callum McDonald,  Joseph Clarke, Noah Walsh, Charlie Ross, Paddy Burrow, Oscar Bradley, Max Cooney, Conor Meadows, Kian Roberts, Rus McNamara, Paddy White,  
Subs: Finley Byrne, Oskaras Vitkauskas, Harvey English, Emjay Leslie, James Clarke, Cole Sheridan, Nathan Melia

Tries: White (7), Walsh (11), Cooney (18), McDonald (32)
Goals: Clarke 2/4 

WALES 64
Scott Hewitt, Rhys Anthony, Leighton Clarke, Max Phillips, Jocab Maund, Jack Parrott, Kelyn Jude-Hobbs, Danny Jones, Zac Nottingham, Cyrus Owen-Green, Mason Lewis, Charlie Eatly, Rhys Wood, 
Subs: Jack Field, Frazer Redman, Ellis McGregor, Charlie Noakes, Will Mordecai, Alfie Davies

Tries: Eatly (3, 36, 45, 62), Nottingham (4, 67), Clarke (22), Anthony (26), Redman (42), Maund (58), Hewitt (65)
Goals: Parrott 10/11