Olly Riley to lead Ireland at 2026 Under-19 World Cup
Ireland are in Group A, along with Australia, Japan and Sri Lanka
ESPNcricinfo staff
09-Dec-2025 • 6 hrs ago
The Under-19 World Cup trophy • Getty Images
Fast bowler Oliver Riley will lead Ireland at the 2026 Under-19 World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe next January. Reuben Wilson, another quick, is the vice-captain of the 15-member squad.
Ireland will have an eight-day camp in Potchefstroom in South Africa before leaving for Namibia. They play two warm-up matches against West Indies (January 10) and Tanzania (January 13) in Windhoek.
Ireland are in Group A at the Under-19 World Cup along with Australia, Japan and Sri Lanka. They play Australia on January 16, Sri Lanka on January 19, and Japan on January 22. Ireland will be coached by Peter Johnston at the World Cup, with Nigel Jones as assistant coach.
The tournament comprises 16 teams divided into four groups of four each in the first round. Twelve teams - three from each group - will progress to the next round, where the teams will be divided into two groups of six. The top two from each group of six will contest the semi-finals. The tournament begins on January 15 and concludes with the final on February 6 in Harare.
Ireland Under-19 squad: Alex Armstrong, Callum Armstrong, Marko Bates, Sebastian Dijkstra, Thomas Ford, Samuel Haslett, Adam Leckey, Febin Manoj, Luke Murray, Robert O'Brien, Freddie Ogilby, Oliver Riley (capt.), James West, Bruce Whaley, Reuben Wilson (vc)
Non-travelling reserves: Peter le Roux, William Shields