Aaron McKenna
Team Ireland Youths began a training camp with Russia in Dungarvan Sports Centre in Waterford on Saturday.
Both nations will train, spar and have test matches before a second Irish squad begin training with the visitors next Thursday, according to head coach Billy McClean.
“We’ve split the Irish team into two squads and will be using a total of eighteen boxers. The squads will get their first taste of Dungarvan against the best boxing nation in the world. The Russian team have brought a qualify squad of World and European Youth and Junior champions and medalists to Waterford,” he said.
Jason Harty, who picked up an award at last Friday’s Irish Athletic Boxing Association Annual Awards Night, is included in the squad, along with European Schoolboy champions Aaron McKenna and Oliver McCarthy.
Both nations will have two test matches on Thursday.
Irish squad
Team manager: Gerry O’Mahony
Coaches: Billy McClean, Gerry McDaid, Fergal McKenna, Dmitry Dmitruk
49kg Regan Buckley (Bray)
52kg Shane Flavin (Paulstown)
56kg Sean Purcell (Enniskerry)
56kg Aaron McKenna (Old School)
60kg Oliver McCarthy (Brian Dillons)
64kg Jason Harty (Rathkeale)
69kg Paul Ryan (Bay City)
75kg Tommy Hyde (Setanta)
81kg Brian Kennedy (St Marys D)