Munster Domestic Rugby | Ireland Under-20 squad named to face Australia Dublin, Ireland – The Ireland Under-20 squad has been named for the upcoming match against Australia on June 17th. A number of Munster Domestic Rugby players have been included in the squad, including: * Forwards: * Joe McCarthy (Shannon) * Thomas Clarkson (Young Munster) * Conor Phillips (UCC) * Paul O’Connell Jr. (Kanturk) * Backs: * Benjy Whyte (Shannon) * Conor Kelly (Cork Constitution) * David McCarthy (UCC) The squad will be led by captain Niall Murray (Lansdowne). They will face Australia at Energia Park in Dublin on June 17th. This is a great opportunity for these young players to represent their country. They will be hoping to impress the coaching staff and earn a place in the squad for the upcoming Six Nations Championship. The Munster Domestic Rugby community is proud of these players and wishes them all the best in the match.Volta River Authority Notifies Stakeholders of Potential Akosombo Dam Water ReleaseVolta River Authority Notifies Stakeholders of Potential Akosombo Dam Water Release The Volta River Authority (VRA) has informed over 40 stakeholders, including government officials and local assemblies, of the potential for excessive water release from the Akosombo Dam. The notice, issued to proactively ensure the safety of the dam and surrounding communities, highlights the importance of timely stakeholder engagement. The VRA emphasized that the spill is not yet confirmed, but precautionary measures are being taken. These include engaging stakeholders, evaluating potential implications, and coordinating mitigation efforts. The notice states, “This precautionary measure is critical to maintaining the structural integrity of the dam and ensuring the safety of our communities.” The VRA’s commitment to maintaining safety protocols and responding to potential risks is evident in this proactive approach. In previous instances, controlled releases from the Akosombo Dam have caused displacement and damage. In October 2023, approximately 35,857 people were displaced, and homes and farmlands were destroyed. The floods had a significant impact on over 30,000 people in North Tongu District. The VRA’s notification to stakeholders demonstrates its commitment to preventing similar impacts and maintaining the safety of the surrounding communities. Timely engagement and collaboration with relevant parties will be crucial in ensuring a coordinated response to any potential water release.Munster Domestic Rugby | Ireland Under-20 Squad Named to Face Australia The Ireland Under-20 squad has been announced for their upcoming clash against Australia on Friday, March 24th. The match will take place at Musgrave Park in Cork and will be part of the Six Nations Under-20 Championship. The squad includes 15 players from Munster, including captain Alex Kendellen, vice-captain Ethan Coughlan, and fellow Ireland U20 regulars Gavin Coombes and Shane Daly. Head coach Richie Murphy has named a blend of experience and youth in his squad, with several players having already made their debut for the Ireland Under-20s. Ireland Under-20 Squad to Face Australia Forwards: * Alex Kendellen (Munster) * Gavin Coombes (Munster) * Thomas Ahern (Leinster) * Thomas Clarkson (Ulster) * David Hawkshaw (Ulster) * Ethan Coughlan (Munster) * Ross Molony (Leinster) Backs: * Shane Daly (Munster) * Calvin Nash (Ulster) * Harry Byrne (Leinster) * Ciaran Frawley (Leinster) * Jake Flannery (Munster) * Josh van der Flier (Leinster) * Conor O’Brien (Munster) * Jacob Stockdale (Ulster) The Ireland Under-20s will be looking to build on their impressive victory over Italy in their opening match of the Six Nations Under-20 Championship. The young Irish side put in a dominant performance in Treviso, running in seven tries in a 43-14 win. Australia will pose a tough challenge for the Ireland Under-20s, as they are the defending champions of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship. The two sides have met twice before at Under-20 level, with Australia winning on both occasions. The match will be a crucial one for the Ireland Under-20s, as a victory would put them in a strong position to challenge for the Six Nations Under-20 Championship title.