Wales' rugby heroes meet Prince Charles

May 29 2008 Media Wales

Wales’ RBS Six Nations-winning rugby squad met the Prince of Wales today at a reception held in their honour.

The team were undefeated in this year’s tournament, earning a Grand Slam victory in their final match against France.

Prince William, Royal Vice Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, was in the stand to cheer on the team before handing them the trophy amid jubilant scenes at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

This afternoon, led by captain Ryan Jones, the team visited Clarence House to show the Prince their silverware before heading off to South Africa to compete in the Prince William Cup, a two-Test series with the host nation.

Mr Jones, who introduced Charles to the squad, said: “It’s fantastic to be here, a real opportunity. There’s not many people who can say they’ve popped into Clarence House on their way to the airport.

“I was quite impressed with how knowledgeable he was about the game, he was interested in everyone’s job. It was a huge honour for me, one of the perks of being captain, to be able to introduce him to the players.”

Coach Warren Gatland, who joined the side shortly before the Six Nations Championship, said the meeting was a “fantastic experience” for the players.

He said: “We spoke about New Zealand, where I’m from and being a Kiwi and what I’ve done for the side.

“It’s a fantastic experience to be here, you can smell the history here. It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to bring the squad here before going out to South Africa.”

Grand Slam hero Shane Williams, who score a crucial try in the match against France, was among those who spoke to the Prince.

He said: “We spoke a little bit about the Grand Slam but he was more concerned about training. He said he does work out himself.

“He was more interested in our fitness coach, I think he wants to get fit and play some rugby.”

Comparing meeting the Prince with playing in a big match, Mr Williams said: “I’ve had some nerves in games but it was also nerve wracking meeting the likes of Prince Charles. It was quite intimidating just the build-up, that’s the hard bit. But he’s a really nice guy and put us all at ease.”

The team also posed for a group photograph with Charles along with the RBS Six Nations Trophy, the Triple Crown and the Prince William Cup, which is named after Prince William.

At the end of the reception the team presented Charles with a framed Welsh rugby shirt.