Alex's selection by Ireland for his first Test cap vindicates the structures and support that UCC and UCC Rugby provide to young College players as they navigate their early professional years.

- John Fitzgerald, President UCC Rugby

Alex Kendellen will win his first Test cap this weekend after being named in the Ireland starting team for Saturday’s meeting with Portugal at Lisbon’s Estádio Nacional do Jamor. Kendellen comes into the back row alongside Ryan Baird and Cian Prendergast, who had been due to feature against Georgia only to drop out through illness.

On the Ireland bench, Connacht player Hugh Gavin (son of UCC Rugby's own Barry Gavin 1986-90) will look to also earn his first cap.