World Cup a dream for Uruguayan best friends Felipe Berchesi and Agustin Ormaecha

Many kids grow up dreaming of representing their country at a World Cup and it has become a reality for Uruguayan half-backs Felipe Berchesi and Agustin Ormaecha.

Team-mates since the age of four and best friends from the age of two, Ormaecha and Berchesi's fairy tale will come true as they represent their country in a World Cup for the first time alongside one another.

Scrum-half Ormaecha said: "It is just like playing with a brother, it is really special. We have trained our whole life together to gain our spot in the team to be in a moment like this. We are a tough country and now I am really happy we are here.

The pair, who play their rugby in France, and their Uruguayan team-mates find themselves in Pool A pitted against Australia, Wales, Fiji and the hosts England, however facing such tough and star-studded opposition is a once in a lifetime experience they will cherish.

Ormaecha said: "Just living the dream. Since I was little I dreamt of being in this position. We were walking down the street and we saw some Ireland players and to be able to be in the same sport as some of the most recognisable players in the world is just unbelievable."

Berchesi added: "I'm a fanatic of rugby, I always have been. I've always watched a lot of international rugby and I can't believe I am here now and I will play against them.

"I don't know if I will ever have the chance again to face Australia, Wales, Fiji and England at home and it's crazy. I don't think I will be able to explain it afterwards it is going to be amazing."

Despite the mountainous challenge facing their side Ormaecha and Berchesi are adamant that there is more to the tournament for them than just winning.  

Ormaecha said: "We don't put ourselves in a position where we say we have to win, we put ourselves in a position where we have to prove our game style, our game plan and if we manage to do that, we are happy with that."

And Berchesi added: "It will be a success if we can do good games, we stay strong in defence. We want to reach more people in Uruguay to get into the game as well, make them proud of us."

Uruguay kick off their campaign facing Wales at the Millennium Stadium, however, 24-year-old Ormaecha is relishing the prospect.

"I am nervous already. It is going to be sick. We have talked to some people and they have said the atmosphere there is just overwhelming. I used to imagine being there and now to have that opportunity. It's going to be on another level."