Australia v Ireland: Angus Bell set for Nations Championship reunion

Bell said the “similar culture” of Belfast and Australia helped him settle into his new environment, adding that the “identity” was also familiar.

“They’re very similar to Australians, very similar people, very similar culture; they like a beer, they like to go to the pub, they like to hang out, it’s very similar to the Australian identity, even around the change room.

“I’ve made friends for life from Northern Ireland and Belfast, so it will be interesting to play with these guys.”

While it is unclear how many Ulster teams will be in Sydney, Bell admits it will be a strange experience to face them in the opening match of the Nations Championship.

“We’ve been talking for the last three or four weeks, I just came back a week ago, so it will be interesting to go against them,” he said.

“They’re top fellas, I can’t speak highly of them, just like I can’t speak highly of the boys here in the Wallabies squad.”