Sport / Rugby World Cup

Princes divided over Eng vs Wales game

15:42 pm on 23 September 2015

Britain's Prince William and his brother Prince Harry will be supporting opposing teams when England face Wales in a key World Cup match at Twickenham this weekend.

Prince William (middle), Wales Sam Warburton (left), and Wales' head coach Warren Gatland pose for a group photograph during the Wales' Welcome Ceremony for the Rugby World Cup. Photo: AFP

William, a grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and the second in line to the throne, is vice-patron of the Welsh Rugby Union. His younger brother Harry holds a similar role with England's Rugby Football Union.

"Unfortunately, I will be watching you with my brother, so I will need a Wales win more than ever!", said William as he presented the Wales squad with their tournament caps in a ceremony at London's Guildhall on Monday.

England, the tournament hosts, and Wales have been drawn in the so-called 'Pool of Death' along with two-time champions Australia. That means at least one of rugby union's major nations is set to miss out on a quarter-final place as only the top two teams from each group goes through to the last eight.

Prince Harry delivers a speech next to the Webb Ellis Cup during the opening ceremony. Photo: AFP

"Whilst we have been dealt a very tough group stage, I firmly believe that, with a simple, determined, match-winning mindset, this (Wales) team can progress into the knockout stages and beyond," said William.

"I look forward to having plenty to cheer about throughout the tournament," added the prince.

-AFP