IRELAND, competing in the annual Federation International Rugby Association (FIRA) tournament for the first time, will play their opening pool game against Portngal in the Junior (Under 19) World Cup in Buenos Aires today. They will play their second pool match against Scotland on Wednesday.

"The 26 man squad" includes nine of last season's Ireland Schools side which won the Triple Crown and then beat Australia at the end of an undefeated nine match summer tour. They are: Bryn Cunningham; Jonathan Davis; Kevin Hartigan; Tom Keating and David Quinlan (in the backs); Simon Best; Robert Casey; Leo Cullen and Stephen Kennedy (forwards).

Eight of the squad are still at school. Ireland, seeded fifth, are included in the top flight of 12 from the 32 competing nations, and will play at least four matches. England is the only major rugby country not involved in the tournament.

This is the 12th annual FIRA tournament. The holders of the Junior World Cup are Argentina, the host country, who won it in Italy last year.