Never thought I’d be playing rugby against Australia – Byrnes

Australian-born Russian rugby international Adam Byrnes says he cannot predict how he will feel when he goes out on the pitch to play against his native land.

­Russia’s Rugby World Cup adventure comes to an end this weekend as the debutants take on powerhouse side Australia on Saturday after gallant displays in their three previous clashes.

“It’s the experience I never thought was going to be a possibility not long ago. Playing against a lot of former teammates, people I played against in the Super Rugby Competition – it’s what I’m very much looking forward to,” Byrnes told RT. 

The 30-year-old, who was never capped for the Wallabies, put the Bears’ jersey on as his grandparents were born in Russia.

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