LE PUY EN VELAY, 3 September – European Commission president and former Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Manuel Barroso has hailed his country's imminent debut in the IRB Rugby World Cup after making a special visit to watch the team play.

Barroso watched Portugal beat French side Aubenas 44-3 in a training match in the Haute-Loire region on Sunday afternoon.

Residents packed the 2,700-capacity stadium for the match, with 300 people standing around the field's edge.

Children wore their own rugby kit, while many adults wore Portugal soccer jerseys.

"It's a great experience because, as you know, this is the first time ever Portugal has made the world championship (sic). They aren't superstars at rugby but this team has great spirit," Barroso said from the sidelines.

He knew the rules after playing rugby at high school, but gave up the sport because of ill health.

He said he was hopeful Portugal’s success in qualifying would increase the popularity of the game.

Barroso's wife, Margarida Sousa Uva, has three cousins in the team.

"The team is really a family and I wish them all the best," Barroso said.

Uva said she and her husband would be watching all of Portugal's matches on television.

"I know the main rules. There are some things I don't understand but I know the most important ones," she said.

Barroso had breakfast with the team at their hotel in Chambon-sur-Lignon before the match.

Portugal centre Diogo Gama said Barroso's visit had given the team recognition at a high level.

"It's great for us. It's a sign of respect," Gama said.