With just five days to go to the start of their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign in Manchester, Ireland head coach Nigel Carolan insists they are not looking beyond their opening game against Wales.

The June 11 clash with defending champions New Zealand is undoubtedly the pick of Ireland’s Pool A encounters, but even though Carolan acknowledges this is the game his squad will want to play in, he stressed they can’t look beyond next Tuesday’s meeting with the Welsh at the Academy Stadium.

“I think for any of these young guys to get the opportunity to play against the All Blacks is massive. That’s the one they’ll all want to play,” Carolan remarked.

“But, at the moment, all of our focus is on Wales. As a first game, we felt they were a team we could have taken in the Six Nations. The challenge for us is to get off to a really good start and make sure that we at least have parity and take all of our chances. Whatever happens in that Wales game, we’ll look after New Zealand then when we get there, but it’ll certainly be an easy game for the lads to get up for.”

When you consider that Garry Ringrose has transformed into a regular starter for Leinster after featuring in this competition last year, the Ireland U20 team has proven to be a major stepping stone for future professional stars.

Indeed, with the systems currently in place throughout schools and club rugby, Carolan feels it is important to get to players when they are younger.

“Yeah, I think we’ve got to work with what we’ve got. I think there’s very good systems already in place in the schools and clubs. There’s good level of competition for the young guys, and with the new investment, and the elite player pathway, I think it’s just to ensure there’s additional resources there to support what is already in place.

“It’s not to change what is already there, but it’s just to ensure every player is given the best chance to develop in all aspects of their profiles. I think it’s huge, not only just for age grade, but for professional rugby and the Irish team going forward.”

Yet, given he is also the current Academy Manager of recently-crowned Pro12 winners Connacht, Carolan is aware that some players develop at a later age than others.

With this in mind, he believes it is important to always keep the door open for all players.

“That’s why I believe you’ve got to keep the door open for all players, and if you identify what’s good early, and again it mightn’t always be talent. It could be some of the personal characteristics.

“I think it’s important we don’t go too narrow, too early and we keep the door open. Especially for Irish rugby players, and players genetically, they start to mature a little bit later,” Carolan added.