First time visitors to the Galway Sportsground, Portugal, provide the unusual opposition for Connacht Rugby on Sunday (6pm ).
A timely fixture during the break in action for the autumn internationals, Connacht’s Michael Bradley will be using the game to take a look at some of his fringe players, in addition to some promising youngsters who have been performing for their clubs in the AIB League.
Two of those up-and-coming players are Galwegian lock David Nolan and Buccaneers’ John O’Brien, and they have been drafted into the squad with a view to giving them some game time on Sunday.
Nolan was a member of the Irish u-20 side last year, while fullback O’Brien, who hails from Clifden but joined Buccaneers this season, is on the current Irish u-20 squad.
Another player who was in action at the weekend was scrumhalf Conor O’Loughlin. After a lengthy sojourn out of action with a hip injury, he played for 60 minutes in Buccaneers’ great win over Clontarf in the AIB Cup.
Michael Bradley is expected to finalise his starting XV tomorrow, and although a victory is not the main objective, he will want to ensure his side maintain their competitive edge during this month.
Portugal are the first international side to take on Connacht since South Africa last year. They qualified for their first Rugby World Cup in 2007, and have gone from strength to strength. Although better known for their prowess on the IRB Sevens World Series circuit, they are now ranked 23rd in the IRB World Ranking.
Last week they lost narrowly to Ireland’s opponents this weekend, Canada, in Lisbon, and Connacht can expect a tough test on Sunday.
The occasion will be marked by the official opening of the new Connacht gym, which will be performed by IRFU president John Lyons prior to the match at 4.30pm. All members of the public who attend Sunday’s game are invited to view the new facility for one hour after the match on Sunday evening.
