Star-studded lineup for Ireland v England Legends charity match

Some of the biggest names in modern rugby history will be on show when Ireland hosts the Legends match against England at Donnybrook, on Friday 18 March, the night before the two countries meet in the Six Nations at The Aviva Stadium.

Following the success of the 2010 England v Ireland Legends match played last year at the Twickenham Stoop in front of an 11,000 crowd, the teams will lock horns once again for this return match.

The game is being played for the Stuart Mangan Memorial Cup, currently held by the Irish Legends who were the narrow victors, by 17 points to 15 in 2010.

Ireland’s team will be led by former Irish international and British and Irish Lion Shane Byrne, previously Leinster’s most capped player. His team will include such Irish legends as Nick Popplewell, Rob Henderson, Mick Galwey, Mal O’Kelly, Eric Miller and Girvan Dempsey.

Other legends also in attendance will be Justin Bishop, Simon Easterby, Jonathan Bell, Kieron Dawson, Richard Wallace, Paddy Johns and Anthony Foley, all subject to availability.

England’s team will be led by former captain and British and Irish Lion Martin Corry. Martin is joined by several members of the England 2003 World Cup winning team, including Jason Leonard, most notably England’s most capped player, Josh Lewsey, Kyran Bracken and Dan Luger.

Other heroes include Andy Farrell, Austin Healey, and Mark Regan.  Completing the team sheet are internationals, Darren Garforth, Tim Stimpson, Matt Perry and Gareth Archer– all subject to availability.

Both team captains, who have been the driving forces behind the Legends matches to date along with Jason Leonard and Len Dinneen, would like to make this an annual fixture, playing on the eve on the International match and capturing the spirit of the ireland A v England A fixtures of days gone by.

Looking forward to the game Shane Byrne said: “It’s great to welcome the England Legends to play at Donnybrook, for a return match.

“Like all ex-rugby players when looking at games you still feel that you could do all the wonderful things you did while you were a little younger, fitter and probably had more sense!

"But we’ll be looking to put on another winning performance on our home turf.  Let’s hope that this occasion will become an annual fixture for rugby players and fans – and a fantastic way to make some money for very worthwhile causes”.

Tickets will start at Main Stand 15 Euros, Stadium 10 Euros, Unreserved seating 5 Euros, and are now on sale, from the following website, www.ticketmaster.ie. You will also be able to pay at the gate.

The money raised from the match will be donated to the IRFU Charitable Trust in Ireland and to improving the lives of Inner City Youths through Sport and Education in England in what is expected to be a highly competitive clash between the two rugby nations.

With generous team sponsorship from reinsurance group Validus Re, this promises to be an evening to remember at Donnybrook.

For more information, check out the following websites:

www.ticketmaster.ie

www.irelandenglandlegends.com

www.irelandenglandlegends.co.uk

www.validusre.bm

Ireland Team List

Jonathan Bell

Justin Bishop

Paul Burke

Shane Byrne (captain)

David Corkery

Reggie Corrigan

Kieron Dawson

Girvan Dempsey

Len Dinneen

Guy Easterby

Simon Easterby

Anthony Foley

Mick Galway

Gary Halpin

Rob Henderson

Niall Hogan

Anthony Horgan

Paddy Johns

John Kelly

Kevin Maggs

Eric Miller

Malcolm O'Kelly

Nick Popplewell

England Team List

Gareth Archer

Jos Baxendell

Alex Bennett

Greg Botterman

Kyran Bracken

Martin Corry (captain)

Bill Davison

Andy Farrell

James Forrester

Darren Garforth

Andy Gomarsall

Paul Gustard

Austin Healey

Rory Jenkins

Jason Leonard

Josh Lewsey

Leon Lloyd

Dan Luger

Matt Perry

David Rees

Mark Regan

Tim Stimpson

Ben Sturnham

Paul Volley

Nick Walsh

Fraser Waters

Kevin Yates