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.
