Video: JOE goes behind-the-scenes of the Emerald Isle Classic with Navy and a few suprise guests

Notre Dame and Navy fans have taken over Dublin ahead of their NCAA Division One match in the Aviva this weekend and JOE caught some behind-the-scenes footage at Navy’s practice yesterday.

Ahead of the sell out game at the Aviva tomorrow, Navy and Notre Dame have taken over Dublin with over 30,000 American football fans wandering the streets with masses, games and pep rallies galore being held in their honour.

Matches are taking place across the country in various sports but the big one is tomorrow in the Aviva Stadium.

JOE moseyed down to Navy’s first practice in Ireland beside the Aviva yesterday to see some of their build-up.

Besides having a sneak preview of some their plays, JOE spoke to their side’s vice-captain at slot-back Bo Snelson and their Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo, the first collegiate coach of Samoan descent.

The players were enjoying the novelty of playing in what is being called “The Emerald Isle Classic” on foreign soil, with Niumatalolo remarking that the playing surface in the Aviva is probably the best he has scene and that the Irish “take their grass seriously.”

Also amongst the assorted hacks and fans watching the practice were some of the Leinster rugby players ahead of their own first RaboDirect Pro 15 match of the season.

Mike Ross, Shane Jennings (an American Football “nerd” apparently) and Damian Browne came to have a look as civilians and ended up chatting to some of the Navy roster.

JOE managed to grab a word with Leinster and Ireland prop Mike Ross, on his, and his Leinster team-mate’s interest in the prevailing type of football across the Atlantic Ocean.

So check out our up-close and personal look at Navy's pre-game preparations in the video above.