William tells of excitement at return of Rugby World Cup

The Prince of Wales paid a flying visit to south-west France on Sunday.

Published Sep 10, 2023

Last updated Sep 10, 2023

The Prince of Wales has spoken of enjoying the opening matches of the Rugby World Cup as he visited Bordeaux to watch Wales’s Pool C fixture against Fiji.

William, patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, was greeted by RWC director Gareth Davies, venue director Paul Couet-Lannes and WRU president Gerald Davies after arriving at Stade de Bordeaux.

He then met Fijian President Wiliame Katonivere before taking his seat for the game, which Wales won 32-26 in a tense finish.

William singing the Welsh national anthem before the Fiji game (David Davies/PA)

“I can’t believe another World Cup has come around again,” he said to Gerald Davies.

“It’s exciting when it all kicks off. There have been some good matches already. The France-New Zealand game was fantastic.”

Wales break away during the Rugby World Cup match against Fiji (David Davies/PA)

Wearing a dark blue suit with a red and white tie, the prince also expressed admiration for former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, Test rugby’s most-capped player, who retired from international duty earlier this year and currently plays for French club Toulon.

“I’ll be looking for where Alun Wyn is,” William said during his conversation with Gerald Davies. “He’s been there so long, he’s a stalwart.”