Portugal's part-timers out to make an impression at the Rugby World Cup

Former French winger Patrice Lagisquet will coach Portugal's team of butcher, bakers and dentists against Wales on Saturday. Rob Cole spoke to the Bayonne Express 

ON A MISSION: Patrice Lagisquet, Head Coach of Portugal, poses for a portrait. Picture: Alex Livesey - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

PORTUGAL'S group of part-times and amateurs can't wait to mix it with the best teams in the world. Their captain, the very accomplished centre Tomas Appleton, is a bit of a throw-back to the early years of the competition when every team turned up with 'a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker' in their squad. He is a dentist who is studying to become a doctor. The difference between him and the captain of the Portuguese football team, Cristiano Ronaldo, couldn't be more stark. In 2023, Ronaldo once again became the world's highest-paid athlete following his move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, with the 38-year-old earning £108.7m (€125m) over the year. His contract with Al Nassr is reportedly worth more than £176.5m (€205m) per year.

The 54-times capped Appleton has had to take three months off work to prepare for the World Cup with no pay. The cost is immaterial to him compared to the joy of playing for his country at a World Cup.