SM
Brighton vs. Southampton: 9 hrs 49 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Rugby World Cup | Semi-Finals
Oct 27, 2019 at 9am UK
 
Wales
16-19
South Africa
Adams (65')
FT

Prince Charles: 'Wales will make us all proud at World Cup'

:Headline: Prince Charles: 'Wales will make us all proud at World Cup': ID:375914: from db_amp
Warren Gatland's side face South Africa on Sunday.

The Prince of Wales wished Wales' World Cup squad well during a training ground visit ahead of Sunday's semi-final against South Africa.

Prince Charles is in Tokyo for the enthronement of Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, and he spent around 30 minutes with the Wales players, coaches and management at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium.

Captain Alun Wyn Jones presented him with a signed Wales shirt, surrounded by his team-mates.

"Thank you very much," the prince said. "I am sure you will make us all proud."

It was also a day to remember for Wales squad newcomer Owen Lane, who only arrived in Japan on Tuesday as a replacement for injured back-row forward Josh Navidi.

All players from the 20 competing nations were presented with World Cup caps during welcome ceremonies at the start of the tournament, and 21-year-old Lane received his from the prince, accompanied by prolonged applause.

The prince chatted with several players, including the likes of Ken Owens, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny and Dan Biggar, plus head coach Warren Gatland.

And before concluding his visit, he spoke with Welsh Rugby Union president Dennis Gethin, chairman Gareth Davies and Wales team manager Alan Phillips while the players trained in glorious sunshine.

“I was a bit cheeky this morning and asked him would he present a cap to Owen, and he said he would be absolutely delighted”
- Alan Phillips

"It was great," Phillips said. "These offers don't come very often.

"I have met him a few times over the years when we have won Six Nations Grand Slams and different things, and his two boys follow the rugby. It's just great.

"I was a bit cheeky this morning and asked him would he present a cap to Owen, and he said he would be absolutely delighted.

"Every time you meet him, you are impressed by him as a person. He is very humble, a quiet man and nice company."

Prince Charles presented Owen Lane with his World Cup cap (David Davies/PA)

Wales play the Springboks in Yokohama, 24 hours after England and New Zealand meet in the first semi-final.

Wales made the last four for a second time in the last three World Cups following a tense 20-19 win against France three days ago.

The World Cup final takes place in Yokohama on November 2.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins said: "For him to come along was brilliant, and I am sure it will give the boys a lift.

"For us, it was just a great honour for him to be there watching us, and hopefully it will give us a boost for Sunday."

amp_article__375914 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-10-23 07:56:39:
html db last update - 2019-10-23 07:56:39 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Prince Charles

Click here for more stories about Wales

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Fulham125341717018
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle125341313018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham124351519-415
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .