Portugal will participate in its second Rugby World Cup, after that of 2007. An event for the selection coached by Patrice Lagisquet, former winger of the XV of France and ex-assistant of Philippe Saint-André at the head of the Blues. Lagisquet has just unveiled its group of 33 players for the World Cup (September 8-October 28).
It should be noted that out of its 33 players, 17 play on French courts. In particular hooker Mike Tadjer (Perpignan), Samuel Marques (Béziers) or wingers Vincent Pinto and Rodrigo Marta will wear the Colomiers jersey. Portugal will face Wales, Georgia then Australia and Fiji.
The 33 players called up by Portugal for the World Cup:
Piliers (6): Antonio Machado Santos (CF «Os Belenenses»), David Costa (GD Direito), Diogo Hasse Ferreira (US Dax/FRA), Francisco Fernandes (AS Béziers/FRA), Francisco Bruno (GD Direito), Anthony Alves (Mont-de-Marsan/FRA).
Talonneurs (3): Duarte Diniz (Right GD), Lionel Campergue (RCB Arcachon/FRA), Mike Tadjer (Perpignan/FRA).
Deuxièmes lignes (4): Duarte Torgal (GD Right), José Madeira (FC Grenoble/FRA), Martim Bello (GSD Cascais), Steevy Cerqueira (Chambéry/FRA).
Three leagues (6): Manuel Picao (GD Right), Nicolas Martin (SA XV Charente Rugby/FRA), Rafael Simoes (CDUL), Joao Granate (GD Right), Thibault de Freitas (Club municipal Floriac Rugby/FRA), David Wallis (CF «Os Belenenses»).
Melee halves (3): Joao Belo (CDUP), Pedro Lucas (Os Bethlehem), Samuel Marques (Béziers/FRA).
Demis d’ouverture (2): Jeronimo Portela (GD Right), Joris Moura (Valence Romans/FRA).
Wingers (3): José Lima (RC Narbonne / FRA), Tomas Appleton (CDUL, cap.), Pedro Bettencourt (Oyonnax Rugby / FRA).
Centers (4): Rodrigo Marta (Colomiers Rugby / FRA), Vincent Pinto (Colomiers Rugby / FRA), Manuel Cardoso Pinto (AIES Agronomia), Raffael Storti (Béziers / FRA).
Back (2): Nuno Sousa Guedes (CDUP), Simao Bento (Mont-de-Marsan/FRA).