Ireland's last rugby international at the old Lansdowne Road stadium will be their first Test match against the Pacific Islanders on November 26th.
The Pacific Islanders are coached by Auckland head coach Pat Lam and contain a combination of the best players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Lam announced a 28-man squad for the inaugural tour of Europe this week that includes a warm-up game against NEC Harlequins before Test matches against Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Fijian winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca has been selected after having a 12-month suspension from international rugby recently lifted. "Caucau" is arguably the game's most devastating finisher and is currently contracted to French club Agen. Former Sale winger Epi Taione, who received an 18-month suspension for biting Munster's Denis Leamy in the European Cup pool game last January, is also included.
Ireland open the international season against South Africa on November 11th, before playing Australia and the Pacific Islanders on successive Sundays (November 19th and 26th).
PACIFIC ISLANDERS: Deacon Manu (Fiji), Taufa'ao Felise (Tonga), Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Fiji), Tevita Taumoepeau (Tonga), Census Johnson (Samoa), Aleki Lutui (Tonga), Mahonri Schwagler (Samoa), Simon Raiwalui (Fiji/capt), Daniel Leo (Samoa), Maama Molitika (Tonga), Isoa Domalailai (Fiji), Epi Taione (Tonga), Pila Vaki (Tonga), Semo Setiti (Samoa), Henry Tuilagi (Samoa), Aca Ratouva (Fiji), Nili Latu (Tonga), Mosese Rauluni (Fiji), Junior Polu (Samoa), Seremaia Bai (Fiji), Tasesa Lavea (Samoa), Seilala Mapusua (Samoa), Kameli Ratouva (Fiji), Sailosi Tagicakibau (Samoa), Lome Faatau (Samoa), Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Fiji), Alesana Tuilagi (Samoa), Norman Ligari (Fiji), Loki Crichton (Samoa).
Pacific Islanders tour - Nov 11th v Wales, Millennium Stadium; Nov 18th v Scotland, Murrayfield; Nov 26th v Ireland, Lansdowne Road
