Bolton has 'no regrets' about Ireland switch

Bolton qualifies for Ireland through his grandmother

Shayne Bolton says he has "no regrets" about leaving South Africa for Connacht as he prepares to take on Spain in Leganes as part of an Ireland XV on Saturday (16:00 GMT).

The 25-year-old winger was born in South Africa, but qualifies for Ireland though this grandmother.

Professional rugby had always been a big ambition, but with opportunities at home thin on the ground, he opted to take the plunge in Ireland which he says "worked out how I hoped and more".

Bolton made his test debut in the summer win against Portugal when scoring two tries and is delighted to have another opportunity to impress this week.

"I only had a two-year contact out of school with the Cheetahs and they didn't offer me a contract extension, so for my third year I was just playing college rugby and wasn't getting many opportunities there. I just decided to take a chance in coming to Ireland and it's paid off," he explained.

"In school and after school, I just wanted to give my best in rugby and see where it takes me. I wasn't really thinking about the future, but trying to stay in the present. It's worked out how I hoped and more as I never thought I'd be in this environment, so I'm very thankful."

Bolton admitted he was "very nervous" when first called into the Ireland set-up, but feels he has settled.

He was part of the travelling squad for last weekend's 26-13 defeat to New Zealand in Chicago and although not involved in the match-day 23, has taken a lot from being around the senior team.

"The last two weeks were really big for me, just being in the camp with them and seeing how the preparations go on a big test week, just getting that feeling and the buzz around the place. I took loads of learnings from that," he continued.

"I got loads of information there, just seeing how the boys look at the game, how thew back threes look at the game and how we can take opportunities to attack in a game."