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RTÉ News
12-07-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Craig Casey wants Irish debutants to 'make a real statement'
Barring any more British and Irish Lions call-ups – and you couldn't rule that out – the 2024/25 season comes to a conclusion for the 32 players on Ireland's summer tour in Lisbon this evening. For three of that squad, a season of mixed provincial results ends with their first international caps; Munster's Alex Kendellen and Connacht pair Hugh Gavin and Shayne Bolton joining the six debutants from last week's win in Georgia. By tonight, 29 of Paul O'Connell's 32-man squad will have seen some gametime over the course of this two-game tour of Georgia and Portugal, with Leinster pair Paddy McCarthy and Stephen Smyth, as well as Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak, the three who will have missed out on an appearance this summer. Ireland's first ever Test match against Portugal will take place in the novel surroundings of Estadio Nacional in Lisbon, site of Celtic's famous 1967 European Cup final win against Inter Milan. Saturday's Test won't quite be spoken in similar tones – although a win for the Portuguese could change that – with around 9,000 people expected at the ground, but it will be one to remember for Kendellen, Gavin and Bolton, as they earn their first Irish caps. "It has driven on the week. There's three new caps and it's all about making it a special debut for them," captain Craig Casey said, ahead of their final Test of the season. "We've got a lot of responsibility to make that happen. "They've been buzzing off the wall this week, and it's been great to see that. We did that meeting last night where they were presented with their first jersey, and you can see how special it is to play for Ireland. "It's another Test week, another chance to put on an Irish jersey. That's driven the week. You could see in training there was competitiveness, and it was a tough week training in the heat." With 17 Irish players currently away on duty with the Lions in Australia, the message in camp has been to strike while the iron is hot and make a big impact with what, for some of these players, is a rare or even first opportunity in an Ireland shirt. The captain can speak first hand about how tough it is to break into Andy Farrell's side. While Casey is now part of the first choice Ireland squad, the presence of Conor Murray and Jamison Gibson-Park means it's taken him just over four years to reach what will be his 20th cap for Ireland this weekend. "It's a real chance for lads to put their hands up. "It's obviously a new coaching staff, but we know those coaches in Australia are looking on. "If you can put your hands up for them, you can make a big statement for them coming back in the autumn. That's where you want to be, putting your hands up for jerseys. "It's a huge opportunity, but it's also a huge privilege every chance you get to put on an Irish jersey. We don't take that for granted at all," he added. Even with a matchday 23 that contains just 168 caps, Ireland will be expected to win against Os Lobos, whose squad is largely composed of players based either in Portugal or in the French ProD2 or Federal National. Since their breakthrough at the 2023 World Cup, where they pulled off an incredible win against Fiji, while also drawing with Georgia, former Munster assistant Simon Mannix has taken over from Frenchman Patrice Lagisquet as head coach. Portugal have been invited for experience-building games away to both South Africa and Scotland in the last 12 months, and although they did ship large defeats, they caused both sides enough problems to score three tries in each game. After carrying their World Cup form into the Rugby Europe Championship last year, finishing runners-up to Georgia, they had to settle for a fourth-place finish in 2025, with defeats to Spain and Romania in the play-offs, following a perfect three bonus-point wins from three in the pool. Casey (below), however, says Ireland are wary of the threats Portugal pose, after crossing paths with them in the lead-up to the World Cup two tears ago. "We've spent the week looking at that stuff. We played them in the 2023 World Cup warm-up in Portugal as well, that was a very hot day and in fairness to them, they ripped us up at times. "We know how dangerous they can be, and we knew going into the World Cup that they would do quite well there and play some good rugby. "Their 15 is absolutely class, [Nuno] Suosu Guedes, his feet are absolutely electric. The other winger, [Simao] Bento, is another very good player. I played against their 13, [Vincent] Pinto, for the French U20s. "We know them quite well. Their seven [Nicolas Martins] is a massive threat for them. He's awesome for them at the breakdown, he's a good carrier for them and is their talisman, and they also look for their 12 [Tomas Appleton], their captain. "We know quite a lot about they and their respect for the game, and we know how special it is for Portugal, but it's also special for us."
Irish Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
What time and TV channel is Ireland vs Portugal in international rugby action
Ireland will have three new caps on show for the second of their 2025 summer tour games, against Portugal in Lisbon tonight. Munster back-row Alex Kendellen, Connacht centre Hugh Gavin and south African-born Connacht winger Shayne Bolton gain their first Ireland caps. The 24-year-old Kendellen made his Munster debut in March 2021 just eight short of 1has played 92 times for the province. READ MORERory McIlroy fires warning as PGA Tour star opens up after granting Erica Stoll her wish 21-year-old Gavin was originally selected on the bench but Jamie Osborne's Lions call sees him start at no13. He made 11 appearances this season at Connacht eight in the starting line-up. Bolton was particularly impressive for Ireland 'A' against England last February and started 13 of his 14 Connacht appearances this season, scoring seven tries. Craig Casey is once again captain having taken also taken that task for Georgia. Ryan Baird and Cian Prendergast represent 'senior' players in the pack, Leinster front-row Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson all played 2025 Six Nations while Tom Ahern makes a first start following his Tbilisi debut. Where and when is the match being played? Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon which has a 37,593 capacity 7pm local/7pm Irish. Referee: Adam Leal (Eng), Assistant Referee 1: Anthony Woodthorpe (Eng), Assistant Referee 2: Ben Whitehouse (Wales) TMO: Meteo Liperini (Italy) Did you know? Portugal are ranked 18th in the world in rugby ahead of Tonga, Chile and Romania 19-21. Did you know? The last time Jack Crowley started at out-half with Craig Casey starting at scrum-half was July 6th 2024 against south Africa in 2024. South Africa won 27-20 Did you know? Ireland have never played Portugal in an official international rugby match before. Did you know? the Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon, has the traditional home of the Portuguese Fa Cup final since 1946. Portugal's soccer team have played 50 games there since 1946, beating Ireland 3-1 in 1946 and 2-0 in 1948. Ireland Interim Head Coach Paul O'Connell said: 'I have been really pleased with the attitude of the players over the last number of weeks and this is another opportunity to go out and try to play our game. " said O'Connell. "The dedication and diligence of the squad in testing conditions over in Tbilisi demonstrated the players' willingness to embrace challenges and hopefully that bodes well again. "Portugal are another impressive emerging side who look to play an exciting brand of rugby. We know that we're in for another battle hopefully in front of another big crowd of travelling supporters." Ireland matchday captain Craig Casey added: "I think their no15 is absolutely class, Nuno Sousa Guedes, his feet are absolutely electric. The right winger, Simao Bento, he's a very, very good player as well. "I actually played against their no13 Vincent Pinto for French under 20s we know him quite well. "Their no7 Nicolas Martins is a massive threat for them I think, he's awesome at the breakdown, he's a good carrier for them. He's kind of their talisman and they also look for their no12 Tomas Appleton, their captain. "So we know quite a lot about them and we're excited for the game. We know how special it is for Portugal but it's also special for us as well." The game kicks off 7pm local and 7pm Irish/UK time and will be broadcast live on Virgin Media. Portugal 25/1 Draw 50/1 Ireland 1/80 The handicap is Portugal +33 Betting Tip - Notwithstanding the tale of the training spin ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, drawing with Georgia and beating a by-then disorganised Fiji side by a point was a notable achievement. That +33 could be a good bet. IRELAND v Portugal, Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon, 7pm local/7pm Irish, Virgin Media): Jimmy O'Brien (Leinster); Tommy O'Brien (Leinster), Hugh Gavin (Connacht)*, Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Shayne Bolton (Connacht)*; Jack Crowley (Munster), Craig Casey (Munster) capt; Jack Boyle (Leinster), Gus McCarthy (Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Tom Ahern (Munster), Darragh Murray (Connacht), Ryan Baird (Leinster), Alex Kendellen (Munster)*, Cian Prendergast (Connacht) Replacements: Tom Stewart (Ulster), Michael Milne (Munster), Tom O'Toole (Ulster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Max Deegan (Leinster), Ben Murphy (Connacht), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Calvin Nash (Munster)
Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Ireland name three new caps to start against Portugal
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox LISBON - Ireland will hand first caps to winger Shayne Bolton, flanker Alex Kendellen and centre Hugh Gavin as a much depleted side take on Portugal in their test in Lisbon on Saturday. Interim coach Paul O'Connell made five changes to the side that won 34-5 over Georgia last Saturday. Gavin is a replacement for Jamie Osborne, who was originally named in the team earlier on Thursday but was subsequently called up by the British & Irish Lions for their tour of Australia. Ireland have the bulk of their regulars away, as well as head coach Andy Farrell and Simon Easterby, who stood in for Farrell during the Six Nations earlier this year. Connacht's Bolton comes in on the left wing in place of Jacob Stockdale, who was a first-half casualty in Tbilisi last Saturday and returned to Ireland for treatment during the week. At flyhalf, Jack Crowley gets an opportunity as Sam Prendergast is rested. Kendellen starts in a back row that includes Ryan Baird and the returning Cian Prendergast, while Tom Ahern makes his first international start after coming off the bench last weekend, and he will partner Darragh Murray in the second row. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties Singapore Up to 90% of air-con units can be recycled, including greenhouse gas refrigerant Singapore KTPH trials 'smart diapers' for adult patients to prevent skin conditions, relieve burden on nurses Singapore Singaporean fugitive nabbed and charged with drug trafficking, may face death penalty Sport World Aquatics C'ships Singapore 2025 declared open by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam World 'Do some homework': 6 key exchanges between US Senator Duckworth and S'pore envoy nominee Sinha Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore CPF Board uses AI to improve call centre services, prioritise help for less tech-savvy users 'I have been really pleased with the attitude of the players over the last number of weeks,' O'Connell said in a statement naming the team. 'The dedication and diligence of the squad in testing conditions over in Tbilisi demonstrated the players' willingness to embrace challenges, and hopefully that bodes well again this weekend. 'Portugal are another impressive emerging side who look to play an exciting brand of rugby, and we know that we're in for another battle, hopefully in front of another big crowd of travelling supporters,' he added. Team: 15-Jimmy O'Brien, 14–Tommy O'Brien, 13–Hugh Gavin, 12–Stuart McCloskey, 11–Shayne Bolton, 10–Jack Crowley, 9–Craig Casey (captain), 8–Cian Prendergast, 7–Alex Kendellen, 6–Ryan Baird, 5–Darragh Murray, 4–Thomas Ahern, 3–Thomas Clarkson, 2–Gus McCarthy, 1–Jack Boyle. Replacements: 16–Tom Stewart, 17–Michael Milne, 18–Tom O'Toole, 19–Cormac Izuchukwu, 20–Max Deegan, 21–Ben Murphy, 22–Ciaran Frawley, 23–Calvin Nash. REUTERS
The 42
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Bolton and Kendellen to debut against Portugal as Crowley starts at 10
SHAYNE BOLTON AND Alex Kendellen will both win their first Test caps this weekend after being named in the Ireland starting team for Saturday's meeting with Portugal at Lisbon's Estádio Nacional do Jamor [KO 7pm Irish time, Virgin Media]. Connacht's Hugh Gavin is the third uncapped player in the matchday 23, with the Connacht centre in line to debut off the bench. Bolton starts on the left wing with Tommy O'Brien continuing on the right wing and Jimmy O'Brien retained at fullback. Jamie Osborne and Stuart McCloskey continue their centre partnership from last weekend's win in Georgia. Craig Casey also gets the nod again, captaining the side at scrum-half, but Jack Crowley comes in at out-half as Sam Prendergast is left out of the 23. Advertisement The all-Leinster front row of Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson is unchanged, and in the second row, Munster's Tom Ahern makes his first start having debuted as a replacement in Tbilisi. Ahern is joined by Connacht's Darragh Murray, who starts for the second week running. Kendellen comes into the back row alongside Ryan Baird and Cian Prendergast, who had been due to feature against Georgia only to drop out through illness. On the Ireland bench, Tom O'Toole, Tom Stewart and Michael Milne cover the front row, with Cormac Izuchukwu and Max Deegan the other replacement forwards. Connacht's Ben Murphy and Leinster's Ciarán Frawley join Gavin as the three backline replacements. 'I have been really pleased with the attitude of the players over the last number of weeks,' O'Connell said. 'The dedication and diligence of the squad in testing conditions over in Tbilisi demonstrated the players' willingness to embrace challenges and hopefully that bodes well again this weekend. 'This Saturday presents another opportunity to go out and try to play our game. Portugal are another impressive emerging side who look to play an exciting brand of rugby and we know that we're in for another battle hopefully in front of another big crowd of travelling supporters. 'To our three new debutants – Shayne, Alex and Hugh – congratulations on their selection. The team will try to deliver a positive performance for them and their families.' IRELAND: 15: Jimmy O'Brien (9 caps) 14: Tommy O'Brien (1) 13: Jamie Osborne (8) 12: Stuart McCloskey (20) 11: Shayne Bolton* 10: Jack Crowley (25) 9: Craig Casey (19) – capt 1: Jack Boyle (3) 2: Gus McCarthy (5) 3: Thomas Clarkson (7) 4: Tom Ahern (1) 5: Darragh Murray (1) 6: Ryan Baird (28) 7: Alex Kendellen* 8: Cian Prendergast (4) Replacements: 16: Tom Stewart (3) 17: Michael Milne (1) 18: Tom O'Toole (16) 19: Cormac Izuchukwu (2) 20: Max Deegan (3) 21: Ben Murphy (1) 22: Ciaran Frawley (8) 23: Hugh Gavin* *denotes uncapped
BreakingNews.ie
10-07-2025
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
Alex Kendellen and Shayne Bolton set for Ireland debuts against Portugal
Alex Kendellen and Shayne Bolton will make Ireland debuts in Saturday evening's match against Portugal. Munster back-row Kendellen, who led Emerging Ireland on last year's victorious tour to South Africa, lines up at openside flanker, while Connacht wing Bolton replaces the injured Jacob Stockdale on the left flank. Advertisement Connacht centre Hugh Gavin could win his first cap from the bench in Lisbon. Fly-half Jack Crowley comes in for Sam Prendergast as part of five changes to the starting XV which began last weekend's 34-5 win over Georgia. He will partner captain and Munster team-mate Craig Casey. Cian Prendergast has been selected at number eight after recovering from illness, while Munster lock Tom Ahern will make his first international start following his debut as a replacement in Tbilisi. Cormac Izuchukwu moves to a bench which includes Ciaran Frawley as number 10 cover, with Sam Prendergast and back-row forwards Nick Timoney and Gavin Coombes joining Stockdale in dropping out of the matchday 23. Advertisement Interim head coach Paul O'Connell said: 'I have been really pleased with the attitude of the players over the last number of weeks. The dedication and diligence of the squad in testing conditions over in Tbilisi demonstrated the players' willingness to embrace challenges and hopefully that bodes well again this weekend. Sport Owen Farrell among replacements for Lions' final t... Read More 'This Saturday presents another opportunity to go out and try to play our game. Portugal are another impressive emerging side who look to play an exciting brand of rugby and we know that we're in for another battle hopefully in front of another big crowd of travelling supporters. 'To our three new debutants – Shayne, Alex and Hugh – congratulations on their selection. The team will try to deliver a positive performance for them and their families.' Ireland team: J O'Brien (Leinster); T O'Brien (Leinster), J Osborne (Leinster), S McCloskey (Ulster), S Bolton (Connacht); J Crowley (Munster), C Casey (Munster, capt); J Boyle (Leinster), G McCarthy (Leinster), T Clarkson (Leinster), T Ahern (Munster), D Murray (Connacht), R Baird (Leinster), A Kendellen (Munster), C Prendergast (Connacht). Advertisement Replacements: T Stewart (Ulster), M Milne (Munster), T O'Toole (Ulster), C Izuchukwu (Ulster), M Deegan (Leinster), B Murphy (Connacht), C Frawley (Leinster), H Gavin (Connacht).
