Prince Harry joins 12,000 fans watch England train
Prince Harry, in his new role as Patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), met young people involved in charities connected to England Rugby’s Try for Change programme as well as representatives from RFU’s National Youth Council and Young Rugby Ambassadors (YRA) at the England team open training session.
His Royal Highness also met Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Champions from Didcot RFC who were chosen from groups around the country to form a Guard of Honour for the England team.
Over 12,000 supporters from grassroots clubs and schools from all over England, alongside local residents, attended the session to watch the England as they prepare for their next RBS 6 Nations game against Italy.
Fans were guided through the rugby session, while the players also took part in a series of specially-arranged supporter activities. The players also met with Prince Harry on the pitch following the conclusion of their session.
Richard Hill, England team manager today said: “We’ve had a great week’s training in preparation for Italy next weekend and it’s fantastic to end the week here at Twickenham in front of so many fans, I thank everyone for joining us at Twickenham Stadium.”
As well as 40 school and college groups, 30 players (Under 11/U12s) and five coaches attended from Didcot RFC.
Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Champions Didcot RFC were nominated by their local RFU delivery team, as the coaches, volunteers and committee members have worked tirelessly over the last six years to set up and grow a mini’s section, which now has over 130 players aged 5-13 registered.
They have also created a supportive and developmental environment which has encouraged the older players to retain their interest in rugby when often there is a big drop off at 12-13.
Commenting Harry Levell aged 11 from Didcot RFC said: “It was so exciting to meet Prince Harry and also being part of the guard of honour to cheer the England players as they ran out to training. I love playing rugby and it was so cool to come to Twickenham today with my friends from my rugby club Didcot RFC.”
Also in attendance were young people who have become involved in rugby via Street Games, The Dallaglio Foundation and The School of Hard Knocks.
The event at Twickenham raised over £12,500 for the Try for Change fund, run by Comic Relief and England Rugby, which will support projects and programmes that use rugby and the rugby community to improve the lives of disadvantaged people in England and across the world.
For more information on Try for Change visit www.englandrugby.com/tryforchange
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