Tommy Bowe is well used to the surrounds of Kingspan Stadium, having played 140 times for Ulster.
But his appearance at the famous ground this evening will be a new experience for the Monaghan man, who will make his debut in a Barbarians jersey.
The legendary invitational side will take on Fiji in a special international fixture, and it’s an occasion that Bowe is relishing.
“It's a huge honour, I'm delighted to get the call up. The Baabaas is one of those rugby traditions that you grow up with. Everyone has seen the Gareth Edwards try, them beating the All Blacks... I never thought I'd get the chance to be a part of it and I'm really looking forward to the match. Personally, I need game time to get that match sharpness back, so playing a match like this should be right up my alley.
“Touring sides are what the amateur game was about and to still have them here in the professional game is great. People coming here from New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, it's brilliant for the game of rugby and hopefully we show them a good time here in Belfast.
“It's amazing for the Baabaas to come to Belfast, the first time since 1957. It's a big occasion against the Fijians. It doesn't get much better rugby-wise and hopefully we'll have a good crowd. It's great for me to be in front of the home crowd.
“The guys have been out on the pitch, into the changing rooms, they're really impressed by the set-up we have and are looking forward to the game.”
Before the game, the Barbarian FC players will be presented with their jerseys by iconic Ulster man Syd Millar, which Bowe insists will add to his experience.
“Syd is a legend on and off the pitch. It's one of the many traditions that comes with the Barbarians and the jerseys being presented shows the honour that comes from being selected. There's lots of little touches that they do and it seems like they've done them for a long, long time. It’s great to meet some of the guys like Micky (Steele-Bodger) who has been the President for a long, long time and has lots of stories. It's just nice to be around it. I almost wish it was a few weeks and not a few days.”
The British & Irish Lion has been named at outside centre, and although he is avoiding a direct tussle with the huge Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo, Bowe is taking little comfort from that.
“It's not just Nadolo! The Fijians have a number of big players. It's going to be a good game as they play a good brand of rugby. There probably won't be many rucks but that suits me perfectly. Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to get the ball in hand and throw it about.
“I haven't played centre in a few years - I enjoy getting a run out there. I played it a lot at 13 when I was over in Wales. We'll only have one training session so we've just got to get out there and get stuck in.”
Tickets for the game are still available via ulsterrugby.com/buytickets or at the gate from 6.00pm.
But his appearance at the famous ground this evening will be a new experience for the Monaghan man, who will make his debut in a Barbarians jersey.
The legendary invitational side will take on Fiji in a special international fixture, and it’s an occasion that Bowe is relishing.
“It's a huge honour, I'm delighted to get the call up. The Baabaas is one of those rugby traditions that you grow up with. Everyone has seen the Gareth Edwards try, them beating the All Blacks... I never thought I'd get the chance to be a part of it and I'm really looking forward to the match. Personally, I need game time to get that match sharpness back, so playing a match like this should be right up my alley.
“Touring sides are what the amateur game was about and to still have them here in the professional game is great. People coming here from New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, it's brilliant for the game of rugby and hopefully we show them a good time here in Belfast.
“It's amazing for the Baabaas to come to Belfast, the first time since 1957. It's a big occasion against the Fijians. It doesn't get much better rugby-wise and hopefully we'll have a good crowd. It's great for me to be in front of the home crowd.
“The guys have been out on the pitch, into the changing rooms, they're really impressed by the set-up we have and are looking forward to the game.”
Before the game, the Barbarian FC players will be presented with their jerseys by iconic Ulster man Syd Millar, which Bowe insists will add to his experience.
“Syd is a legend on and off the pitch. It's one of the many traditions that comes with the Barbarians and the jerseys being presented shows the honour that comes from being selected. There's lots of little touches that they do and it seems like they've done them for a long, long time. It’s great to meet some of the guys like Micky (Steele-Bodger) who has been the President for a long, long time and has lots of stories. It's just nice to be around it. I almost wish it was a few weeks and not a few days.”
The British & Irish Lion has been named at outside centre, and although he is avoiding a direct tussle with the huge Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo, Bowe is taking little comfort from that.
“It's not just Nadolo! The Fijians have a number of big players. It's going to be a good game as they play a good brand of rugby. There probably won't be many rucks but that suits me perfectly. Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to get the ball in hand and throw it about.
“I haven't played centre in a few years - I enjoy getting a run out there. I played it a lot at 13 when I was over in Wales. We'll only have one training session so we've just got to get out there and get stuck in.”
Tickets for the game are still available via ulsterrugby.com/buytickets or at the gate from 6.00pm.