Prince William enjoys Rugby World Cup after snubbing England Lionesses’ final

Prince William has been spotted in the crowd cheering on Wales in Bordeaux as they face Fiji in their opening match at the Rugby World Cup after Kate watched England beat Argentina

Prince William is in the crowd to cheer on Wales as they take on Fiji in what could be a classic clash at the Rugby World Cup after some backlash for missing the England Lionesses’ final.

He and Kate Middleton are in France to support the home nations as they bid for success with both known for their love of sport. Kate was seen in full voice on Saturday night in Marseille as the national anthems played ahead of England’s clash with Argentina where Steve Borthwick’s side raced to an impressive win.

William is now watching Wales take on old rivals Fiji knowing that a win could put them well on course for a quarter-final place while, contrastingly, defeat leaves them with an uphill challenge. Ahead of the game Welsh fans were already in good voice as they sang in the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux.

William, patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, was greeted by RWC director Gareth Davies, venue director Paul Couet-Lannes and WRU president Gerald Davies after arriving at Stade de Bordeaux. He then met Fijian President Wiliame Katonivere before taking his seat.

The tournament began on Friday with hosts France beating three-time champions New Zealand 27-13 in Paris. “I can’t believe another World Cup has come around again,” he said to Gerald Davies. “It’s exciting when it all kicks off. There have been some good matches already. The France-New Zealand game was fantastic.”

The trip by William and Kate to France clashes with the start of Prince Harry ’s Invictus Games in Germany which also had its opening ceremony last night. The bi-annual event is held to support wounded servicemen and women.

The Duke of Sussex launched the event in Dusseldorf with Meghan Markle set to join him later in the week and take part in the closing ceremony at the Merkur-Spiel arena. Harry also took part in a penalty shoot-out on German television in a challenge with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and two Invictus Games where he failed to score from the spot.