Sport Six Nations

Monday 16 September 2019

Over four out of five children vote England as the side they would most like to see Ireland beat

Ireland supporter Kate Ryan, age 9, from Westport, Co Mayo prior to the Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Ireland supporter Kate Ryan, age 9, from Westport, Co Mayo prior to the Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Independent.ie Newsdesk

Independent.ie Newsdesk

A survey of over 1,700 Irish children has shown that 81pc identify England as the team they would most like to beat in this year's Six Nations.

The Glenisk Rugby survey also revealed that children's favourite team after Ireland was Wales (30pc), followed by Scotland (25pc). That statistic may change after this weekend's clash with Warren Gatland's side.

Johnny Sexton was voted Ireland's favourite back while South Africa-born CJ Stander is the favourite Irish forward among the nations youngsters.

Paul O'Connell and Joe Schmidt tied for the coach kids would most like to play under.

Elsewhere the survey, which was carried out over the course of the tournament, found that Ireland’s Call is the favourite song that children like to sing at Ireland matches. It received a whopping 63pc of the votes, way ahead of Amhrán Na bhFhiann (20pc) and The Fields of Athenry (15pc).

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