'Ghost sighting' spooks Wales preparation for World Cup clash with Australia
Wednesday 7 October 2015 15:11, UK
Wales' preparations for Saturday's World Cup showdown with Australia have been hampered by an alleged visit by a ghost.
Head coach Warren Gatland has endured a nightmare campaign concerning a mounting injury list but nothing would have prepared them for an uninvited guest at their training headquarters.
Wales fitness coach Paul Stridgeon revealed on Wednesday the drama that unfolded involving captain Sam Warburton and team-mate Dan Lydiate in room 1313 at the team's World Cup base at Oatlands Park, Surrey.
Stridgeon said: "Dan thought it was [bearded Wales lock] Jake Ball. Someone said Henry VIII, but I don't think he's ever been here.
"It was a problem for the first couple of days. As soon as Dan Lydiate saw it and then managed to get back to sleep, Warbs couldn't get back to sleep.
"So he was a bit tired for the first couple of days. Now they've moved from that room.
"It wasn't something we had bargained for, but as a support staff we will deal with anything that is thrown at us. A little team talk before they go to bed - 'listen, if the ghost comes, just give us a call'."
Wales are expected to have a fully-fit squad to select from for Saturday's World Cup Pool A decider against the Wallabies.
The contest at Twickenham will decide who finishes top of Pool A with Gatland announcing his 23-man squad on Thursday.
