HE’S Portumna born and bred, has the Cannings and Damien Hayes as neighbours, and was good enough to win an All-Ireland minor hurling medal with Galway in 2000.

The United States have made just two changes to their team for Sunday's World Cup Pool A clash with South Africa in Montpellier.

INTERIM USA head coach Peter Thorburn has named a 28-man squad to face Ireland A in California in the opening game of the 2006 Churchill Cup this weekend.

IRELAND, conquerors of South Africa, aim to continue their impressive momentum against the USA at Lansdowne Road this afternoon, (1pm).

USA coach Tom Billups is under no illusions about the task facing his Eagles as they prepare to face Ireland at Lansdowne Road next month.