Ulster flanker Reuben Crothers has spoken of his “pride” at captaining Ireland to Grand Slam glory in this year’s Under-20 Six Nations championship.
A brilliant tournament, which included away wins in France and England, concluded with a resounding 59-5 win over Scotland at a packed Musgrave Park in Cork.
No fewer than eight Ulster players, including five starters, featured in Sunday’s victory as Ireland U20s completed the Grand Slam for only the third time.
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Crothers (20) packed down with fellow Ulster forwards Lorcan McLoughlin (19) and James McCormick (20), with Jude Postlethwaite (19) and Ben Carson (20) both playing at centre.
Scott Wilson (19), Josh Hanlon (20) and Adam McNamee (19) were also introduced from the bench as Ireland ran in nine tries in a memorable bonus point win.
Skipper Crothers said: "Honestly I couldn't be prouder of the boys. They put in some shift today and credit to the lads in the matchday 23.
“But it wasn't just them, we had a huge squad coming into the Six Nations and credit to the families, support staff and everyone who supported the boys. It wouldn't have happened without them."
The inspirational Ulster No7 added: "We just take every moment as it comes. We've always got that attitude of 'win the next moment, win the next moment'.
“And that just keeps resetting every time to continually get better and improve every week, and the boys thrive off the atmosphere here."
Jubilant head coach Richie Murphy said: "It's an amazing feeling and it's an amazing journey that these lads have been on for the last few months.
“We worked really hard to make sure we got off to a good start in the Six Nations and it's amazing how that has fed into this over the last five games.”
Ulster quartet Postlethwaite, Carson, McCormick and Hanlon all touched down for tries against the Scots.
Ireland U20s last completed the Grand Slam by winning five of their five Six Nations fixtures in 2019 and 2007.
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