IT’S BEEN A busy ‘day off’ for the Ireland squad after their bruising win over France in Cardiff yesterday.
Rory McIlroy paid a visit to Celtic Manor this morning to give the squad’s golfers some sound advice before Eoin Reddan and Jamie Heaslip, along with manager Mick Kearney, made the journey across to London for a reception with the Queen, no less.
The Queen and Prince Harry welcomed the stars of the Rugby World Cup to a reception at Buckingham Palace this evening to mark the conclusion of the group stages.
Harry, who is honorary president of the England 2015 tournament, said the group stages had seen ‘some truly memorable moments’ and paid tribute all involved.
Over 400 players, coaches, volunteers and referees were welcomed to the Palace as the curtain falls on the group stages of the competition.
“It has been one of the most competitive and entertaining World Cups ever,” Harry said.
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“England may no longer be represented on the pitch, but as a nation we are incredibly proud to be hosting such a successful tournament.
“A showcase for rugby, which – I truly believe – will help grow the game through its excitement and increasing fan base.”
Harry went onto urge disappointed England fans to now back teams from the neighbouring nations – Ireland, Wales and Scotland – in the knock-out stages.
The Prince: “You are helping inspire children of all backgrounds to get involved with the game the game we all love” pic.twitter.com/GGwdXOaA47
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 12, 2015
England head coach Stuart Lancaster and flanker and captain Chris Robshaw were in attendance while representatives from each of the 20 competing teams were present.
The Queen was presented with a Rugby World Cup participant medal by former England rugby captain Bill Beaumont and World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
Prince Harry chats with Stuart Lancaster and Chris Robshaw.
Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth admire the Webb Ellis Cup.
Vern Cotter, Fran Leighton of England Rugby 2015 and Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw with the Queen. Dominic Lipinski
Dominic Lipinski
Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana meet Prince Harry. Dominic Lipinski
Dominic Lipinski
Warren Gatland and Sam Warburton chat with the Queen. PA Wire / PA Images
PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images
Tonga's Nili Latu, Samoa's Alesana Tuilagi and Mike Stanley meet the Queen. Dominic Lipinski
Dominic Lipinski
Eoin Reddan and Jamie Heaslip represent Ireland at World Cup reception with the Queen
IT’S BEEN A busy ‘day off’ for the Ireland squad after their bruising win over France in Cardiff yesterday.
Rory McIlroy paid a visit to Celtic Manor this morning to give the squad’s golfers some sound advice before Eoin Reddan and Jamie Heaslip, along with manager Mick Kearney, made the journey across to London for a reception with the Queen, no less.
The Queen and Prince Harry welcomed the stars of the Rugby World Cup to a reception at Buckingham Palace this evening to mark the conclusion of the group stages.
Harry, who is honorary president of the England 2015 tournament, said the group stages had seen ‘some truly memorable moments’ and paid tribute all involved.
Over 400 players, coaches, volunteers and referees were welcomed to the Palace as the curtain falls on the group stages of the competition.
“It has been one of the most competitive and entertaining World Cups ever,” Harry said.
“England may no longer be represented on the pitch, but as a nation we are incredibly proud to be hosting such a successful tournament.
“A showcase for rugby, which – I truly believe – will help grow the game through its excitement and increasing fan base.”
Harry went onto urge disappointed England fans to now back teams from the neighbouring nations – Ireland, Wales and Scotland – in the knock-out stages.
England head coach Stuart Lancaster and flanker and captain Chris Robshaw were in attendance while representatives from each of the 20 competing teams were present.
The Queen was presented with a Rugby World Cup participant medal by former England rugby captain Bill Beaumont and World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
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