The Ireland A side played two matches this season in February and March, losing narrowly away to France 20 – 12 in Limoges, but then turned this defeat around to beat a strong England A side 33 – 18 in Gloucester.  Ireland A, which will be coached by Connacht’s Michael Bradley, will play three games during the tournament, kicking off against the USA on June 3. 

Commenting on the Churchill Cup, coach Michael Bradley said: “Our opening game against a USA team playing at home will certainly be a stern test for us and we will need to gel together quickly so we can put in a performance. Our second game against New Zealand Maoris will be as tough as they come. When you consider that this time last year they beat the Lions, you can see what a hard game we are in for.”

He continued: “In saying that, our own performance against England on our last outing has given us great confidence, but also a bench mark for us to start from. The tournament is a great opportunity for the players to not only develop their own games, but also push their own international credentials. It is a great chance for them to gain international experience against quality opposition.”

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan said: “This tour will be very important for strengthening our overall depth in key positions. The squad is selected on a developmental basis and is about exposing players to a higher level of international rugby and giving them a platform to improve.”

Damien Browne said: "I am delighted. This is my first opportunity to play for Ireland at a senior level. I have really enjoyed this last season with Saints and being called up to the Churchill Cup squad just tops it off. I know most of the guys in the squad so I am looking forward to a few weeks away with them. It's a great opportunity for me and I intend to enjoy it."

Saints director of rugby Budge Pountney said: "Damo's call-up is just reward for all the hard work he has put in during the last two seasons. It also just goes to show you can play in the English Premiership and play for a county outside England."

Backs

Bryn Cunningham, Dungannon/Ulster                      
Ian Dowling, Shannon/Munster                     
John Hearty, Galwegians/Connacht       
Eoghan Hickey, UCD/Leinster    
Chris Keane, Buccaneers/Connacht  
Robert Kearney, UCD/Leinster  
Simon Keogh, Harlequins   
Mossie Lawlor, Shannon/Munster  
Kieran Lewis, St Mary’s College/Leinster 
Andrew Maxwell, Ballymena/Ulster    
Tomas O’Leary, Dolphin/Munster 
David Quinlan, Northampton 
Paddy Wallace, Ballymena/Ulster 

Forwards

Brian Blaney, Terenure College/Leinster     
Damien Browne, Northampton    
Tom Court, Ballymena/Ulster      
Declan Fitzpatrick, Belfast Harlequins/Ulster  
John Fogarty, Buccaneers/Connacht  
David Gannon, Buccaneers/Connacht   
Jamie Heaslip, Clontarf/Leinster  
Ray Hogan, Galwegians/Connacht     
Trevor Hogan, Shannon/Munster  
Shane Jennings, Leicester (capt)                 
John Muldoon, Galwegians/Connacht  
Ronan McCormack, UCD/Leinster          
Matt McCullough Ballymena/Ulster   
Neil McMillan, Ballymena/Ulster
Roger Wilson, Belfast Harlequins/Ulster