23 Jul Trio Selected for Leinster U18 Matchday Squad Ahead of Interpros
The exceptional youth development setup at Balreask Old continues to produce top-tier provincial talent, as everyone at Navan RFC celebrates a stellar achievement by three of our promising young stars.
Huge congratulations to Jimmy Shorten, Conor Martin, and Evan Lawless, who were all named in the Leinster Under-18 Club/Youths 25-player matchday squad for a high-intensity pre-interprovincial warm-up clash against the Leinster Under-18 Schools side!
Jimmy and Conor took to the pitch from the opening whistle, lining out at openside flanker and scrum-half respectively, while Evan brought maximum energy and impact off the substitute bench. Playing against elite schoolboy competition provided a stern, high-tempo test that showcased the strength and quality of Navan’s youth system.
The 2026 PwC Underage Interprovincial Series
Following their warm-up preparations, the focus now shifts to the 2026 PwC Underage Interprovincial Series!
Sponsored by PwC, this annual showcase brings together Ireland’s leading young rugby talent across four grades: Girls U18, Boys U18 Clubs, Boys U18 Schools, and Men’s U19. The series serves as a critical developmental stepping stone for ambitious players aiming to break into provincial academies and national age-grade teams.
For Jimmy, Conor, Evan, and their Leinster U18 Club teammates, the provincial campaign kicks off in mid-August with three action-packed weekends of top-tier rugby.
Leinster U18 Boys Clubs Interprovincial Fixtures
Here is how the campaign shapes up for the Leinster U18 Club squad:
- Round 1: Sunday, 16th August 2026
- Match: Leinster v Ulster
- Venue: Energia Park, Donnybrook
- Kick-Off: 3:00 PM (Other R1 Fixture: Munster v Connacht | Sat 15th Aug, Highfield RFC, 1:00 PM)
- Round 2: Saturday, 22nd August 2026
- Match: Connacht v Leinster
- Venue: Creggs RFC
- Kick-Off: 1:00 PM (Other R2 Fixture: Munster v Ulster | Sat 22nd Aug, Virgin Media Park, 3:15 PM)
- Round 3: Sunday, 30th August 2026
- Match: Leinster v Munster
- Venue: Energia Park, Donnybrook
- Kick-Off: 3:00 PM (Other R3 Fixture: Ulster v Connacht | Sat 29th Aug, Affidea Stadium, 1:00 PM)
Seeing three Navan players feature in the provincial matchday 25 is a proud moment for their families, their coaches, and the entire club community at Balreask Old. It proves once again that our youth player pathway is primed for developing players to compete at the very highest levels.
We wish Jimmy, Conor, and Evan the best of luck as they finalize their preparations for the opening round at Energia Park next month!
Evan, Jimmy & Conor