Porter raring to go after 'incredible' welcome day in Tours

After 12,000 locals turn up for public training session, Ireland squad enjoy civic reception with Brian O'Driscoll handing out World Cup caps

HAPPY CLAPPERS: The Ireland squad perform the 'Icelandic clap' for the audience during the Ireland Rugby World Cup 2023 welcome ceremony at Le Grand Théâtre de Tours in France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

As touched by the heartwarming World Cup welcome Ireland have received from the people of Tours as Andrew Porter said he was, the front-row star is raring to go and get the tournament underway for real.

The Six Nations champions and Grand Slam winners completed a memorable day of official duties as they were introduced to their hosts in the city where they will be based throughout the Pool B campaign, leaving only for their four matches, the first of which arrives next Saturday afternoon against Romania in Bordeaux.