Portugal are the first international side to take on Connacht since South Africa came to the Sportsground in August 2007 prior to their successful World Cup campaign

Nicknamed 'Os Lobos' (the wolves), the Portuguese qualified for their first Rugby World Cup in 2007, and have experienced unprecedented success in recent years.

The national team was surprise winners of the 2003/4 European Nations Cup, and have continued to record impressive results.

The IRB Sevens World Series circuit has allowed the Portuguese players to demonstrate their competence to the wider rugby world and the Portuguese team have become an established power in the abbreviated form of the game competing at every IRB Sevens event.

Portugal will be eager to bounce back from their 21-13 loss to Canada in Lisbon last Saturday and ironically both squads travelled to Ireland last Sunday, with the Canadians to play Ireland at Thomond Park Stadium this coming weekend.

As well as challenging Connacht, Portugal will meet Ulster in a friendly match at Ravenhill on Thursday, November 13.

Ticket prices for the Connacht v Portugal fixture have been fixed and are available for the usual Sportsground prices.

The enclosed Stand is €25, a Ground ticket is €20, OAP/Student is €15 with Junior (7-18 years) priced at €5. Children under 7 gain entry free of charge.

Tickets are available from the Connacht Branch on College Road or alternatively from Ticketmaster.