Electric Ireland has extended it’s support of the Ireland Under 20 home games in the RBS 6 Nations for another three years, running through now to 2020.

Ireland international and former Ireland U20’s out-half, Ian Madigan has been in the news this week about a move back from France and the timing of his ambassadors role for the Electric Ireland Under 20’s Rugby Home Series could not have been better.

He was on hand yesterday for assembled media to launch Electric Ireland’s continued sponsorship of the Under 20’s Rugby Six Nations Championship Home Games. Ireland will host both France and England in Donnybrook on the Friday nights preceding the Ireland Men’s RBS 6 Nations fixtures against the same opposition.

Read about Electric Ireland’s Sponsorship of Team Ireland at the Olympics

Both games will be televised live on RTÉ and provide a strong platform for team sponsor PwC to promote their engagement through underage rugby.

Madigan put in a stunning man of the match performance to kick a last minute penalty back in 2009 to give the U20’s a memorable win over France in the tournament and went on to play 14 times for the U20’s before breaking through to the highest level.

“Playing U20’s rugby for Ireland was a huge honour and a key stepping stone in my development as a rugby player. Pulling on a green jersey is always special and to do it with your peers and be part of a Six Nations weekend is an incredible opportunity.”

“So many of the squad that I played with at U20’s level have since gone on to become an integral part of Joe Schmidt’s current Ireland team; the likes of Conor Murray, Jack McGrath, Peter O’Mahony and many more. It really shows just how important games at this level are.”

Read about PwC Support of the U20 Team

“We are very lucky in Ireland to have such a well-developed under-age system which prepares players for a professional career in the game. Playing rugby for Ireland is the ultimate dream for all players.”

“U20’s is a major milestone as can be seen from the list of players who then went onto play for their country. There is always a great atmosphere at the games, the quality of the action is excellent and I would encourage people to come along and show their support. As in any sport the home crowd always make a big difference.”

Donnybrook Stadium will also host the Irish Women’s team as they look to make it three wins from three against France in the Six Nations, while the St Andrews College Alumni Lunch is on at the same venue in the newly refurbished Old Wesley Rugby Club.

“Electric Ireland has a long tradition of supporting young people in sport and we look forward to working with the IRFU and helping to promote this year’s U20’s Six Nations Home Games,” said Niall Dineen, Head of Commercial at Electric Ireland.

“At Electric Ireland, we are committed to rewarding loyalty and we would encourage rugby fans to come out and experience the Six Nations atmosphere and see Irish rugby’s future stars in action. Their talent, commitment and dedication to rugby is deserving of our support.”

“We are therefore delighted to confirm that Electric Ireland has continued its support of the U20’s Six Nations Home Series for a further three years up until the 2019/2020 season.”

Ireland will conclude the series for 2017 with a potential Championship decider against England on St Patrick’s Day.

Electric Ireland and PwC are full members of the Sport for Business community. Click below to find out what we can do for you today.