His Royal Highness, the Duke of Cambridge has formally handed over the IRB Junior World Championship trophy to hosts New Zealand yesterday, marking 50 days to the kick-off of Junior World Championship 2014 on Monday 2 June.
Prince William, representing current JWC champions England, presented the trophy to All Blacks captain Richie McCaw at the special Regal Rugby Fun Day for the Royal Couple at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
The Royal Couple were treated to a mini-rippa rugby tournament involving Otago primary school children in front of a crowd of more than 9,000.
“The atmosphere this afternoon has been tremendous and long may it continue. The enthusiasm and skills demonstrated by the children this afternoon bears out just how instinctively good at rugby this nation really is,” said Prince William.
“Teamwork, skill, fair play were all to the fore.”
“I am sure your future All Blacks who play in the Junior World Championship in June will be showing the same flair and determination. I wish you all the best in hosting the tournament and we will both be watching very closely.”
DUNEDIN, (IRB)
