YORK City Knights prop Colton Roche has been named in the Ireland squad for the upcoming European Championship.

Roche, who is poised to join Championship side Featherstone in the closed season, made his Wolfhounds debut in 2012 and was also in the World Cup squad two years ago. He qualifies for the Irish through his mother.

York-born former York Acorn ARLC junior Ben Johnston, now of Halifax, is also included.

Mark Aston's squad open the tournament on October 17 against France in Albi before playing Scotland in Galashiels and hosting Wales in their new home at Bray.

Meanwhile, Barrow's Anthony Bate has been banned for six games by the Rugby Football League after the incident at Elmpark Way last month.

Bate was sent off against York on the last day of the regular season but instead of going to the changing rooms walked straight into the terrace to confront jeering Knights fans.

He was charged with a grade 'E' contrary conduct offence, with Knights boss James Ford calling for a maximum eight-game ban.

Bate, who pleaded guilty, was also fined £75.