The 30^th Anniversary Classic (4th to the 11^th November)

Ireland will be managed by Shane Byrne who played 41 times for Ireland and made four appearances for the Lions. 

The Classic Lions will still have an Irishman in its ranks as it will be led by its captain for the past couple of years, David Corkery, who played 27 times for his country.

Returning will be last year’s winners, Argentina, along with South Africa, France, Italy, Canada and the United States.

This year the Classic will be celebrating the 30^th Anniversary of the first Classic in 1988 when teams from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the United States joined Bermuda with Wales emerging the winners.

The Irish team, which is replacing New Zealand this year, is expected to come “fully loaded” after an absence of some 25 years.

Ireland played in the first Classic in 1988 along with England, Scotland, Wales (the winners) the United States and Bermuda.

The Classic Lions’ squad has already been announced and includes:

                Ryan Grant (Scotland & the Lions)

                Adam Jones ( Wales)

                Alfie To’oala (Samoa)

                Richie Vernon (Scotland)

                Ryan Powel (Wales)

                Olly Barkley (England)

                Ollie Smith (England & the Lions)

                Ceri Sweeney (Wales)

                Rob Dewey (Scotland)

                Sean Lamont (Scotland)

                Allister Hogg (Scotland)

with the team once again captained by David Corkery (Ireland)