THE first Nations' Cup show jumping competition of 2010, to be held in the Abu Dhabi desert venue of Ghantoot, sees Ireland pitted against ten other international teams in Friday's clash.

The Irish team of Cameron Hanley, Dermott Lennon, Cian O'Connor and Billy Twomey will also compete in five other international competitions at the five-star show, culminating in Saturday's 300,000 euro Grand Prix.

However, most eyes will be on the Nations' Cup battle, in which Ireland's performance will directly reflect on the amount of prize money given to Haiti earthquake aid, following the team's decision to donate their winnings to the disaster fund.

In Bordeaux, France, meanwhile, Ireland's Jessica Kurten and Denis Lynch will continue with their World Cup campaign, Kurten with four horses and Lynch with three. Antrim-born Kurten currently holds the No.2 spot in the World Cup Western European league rankings.