Argentina players had puck around with Portlaoise sliotars before Ireland rugby clash

Some of the Argentina international rugby squad warmed up for their clash with Ireland in the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening with a puck around using Portlaoise GAA sliotars.

The unusual training moment was made possible by the big Portlaoise connection within the Argentina rugby set-up. Former Portlaoise hurler Alan Kingsley is the kicking coach with the Pumas who ran Ireland close on Friday night in a 22-19 loss.

Portlaoise GAA posted a picture of some of their star players posing with hurls and sliotars emblazoned with the Portlaoise GAA crest prior to kick-off.

They said: "Former Town hurler Alan Kingsley is the kicking coach with Argentina Rugby team, and yesterday he had them hurling with Portlaoise GAA Sliotars.

"The quality of the image isn’t very clear but you can make it out.

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"If the rugby doesn’t work out we might get a few of them relocating to try their hand at the ancient game. Well done to Alan who has carved an impressive career out at elite international level.

"We wish you the best personally in this evenings test match but we can’t shout against Ireland," the post concluded.

Supporters were quick to respond to the post, heaping praise on their former player turned professional rugby coach.

One wrote: "Great to see Alan doing so well," while another added, "good man. Once a townie always a townie."