International recognition for local players

International rugby is back in the spotlight with the 2020 Six Nations about to get underway, but three Meath players - Andrew Keating, Conor Maguire and JJ O'Dea - have been given the chance to represent their country in another competition.  
They have been included in the extended Irish squad for the forthcoming Club International Series with Ireland's first test against a Scotland Club XV on Friday 31st January away with the return leg on Friday 7th February, 5.45 at Donnybrook.
The series includes teams made up of players selected from the various clubs in the upper levels of the domestic leagues.
The Irish squad has trained at the IRFU High Performance Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown. 
 From Trim, Keating plays as a tight head prop for Garryowen. He started his career with Navan RFC and made his AIL debut with them in 2010. He moved onto Dublin University before turning out for Garryowen. The 27-year-old has represented Ireland at student level and gained one cap for the international Club side, a 19-19 draw with Scotland Clubs last February. 
Another prop with a Meath connection who was called into the Irish squad isConor Magurie who plays as a loose head.
He is currently with Old Wesley and made his AIL debut in 2015. He's from Skerries, played for Boyne RFC and went to school in Colaiste na hInse, Bettystown.
 Among the lock forwards in the Irish squad is JJ O'Dea. From Navan, he honed his skills as a rugby player with under-age teams at Balreask Old before going on to join Old Wesley. He turned out for the Dublin club when they defeated Navan in the AIL Div 1B at Donnybrook in December. 
 O'Dea attended St Patrick's Classical School, Navan and made his AIL debut in 2017. His talents as a second row player have been recognised by selection on the Ireland u-18 and the Irish Universities squads. He has yet to gain recognition with the Irish Club side and may make his debut against Scotland on Friday 31st January.