Prince Harry excited as Rugby World Cup draws near
Monday 15 June 2015 17:24, UK
With less than 100 days until the Rugby World Cup starts, Prince Harry has delivered some strong words of advice for Stuart Lancaster’s players.
Prince Harry, speaking at Twickenham, stressed the significance of “values” and “discipline” as well as respect, as he introduced the famous Webb Ellis Cup on the first leg of its trophy tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The trophy will attend events, schools, rugby clubs and local community festivals ahead of the tournament’s eagerly anticipated first game which sees hosts England face Fiji on September 18.
The prince, who was joined by 2003 World Cup winner and talisman Jonny Wilkinson said: "Rugby is a great, wonderful game built on values, respect, discipline. We in this country have a fantastic opportunity to host the greatest event the sport has to offer."
However, England’s initial preparations haven’t been as smooth as they would have liked - hooker Dylan Hartley and centre Manu Tuilagi have been dropped by head coach Lancaster for on-and off-field disciplinary problems. And Danny Cipriani may also be omitted as he was charged with drink driving.
Biggest World Cup
Currently two million tickets have been sold and planners expect this Rugby World Cup to be the biggest in the history of the competition.
RFU chief Ian Ritchie said: "We estimate over half a million fans will be visiting England and Wales to enjoy the event.
"It will be the most-viewed World Cup with over 20,000 hours of action televised around the world including places like the USA, Brazil, Germany and across Asia.
"Since the 2011 World Cup, rugby participation here has grown from five million to seven million. We expect the 2015 World Cup to drive that growth even further."
Prince Harry is certain that the fans will have a huge part to play in the competition and believes this World Cup will go down in history as one of the greatest.
He added: "I am sure the whole of England will get behind this incredible sporting event and make it one of the best ever.
"I am sure they will give every visitor from all the different nations from around the world a truly warm and friendly welcome. It promises to be an occasion (that) those who witness it will never forget."
