Prince William’s rugby skills tested in South African township

But it was the sight of Tendai Mtawarira, better known as “The Beast” and South Africa’s most capped prop, that brought back some vivid memories.

“The last time I shook his hand was back in 2013 in Cardiff where we’d just won the Prince of Wales cup against Wales and he usually makes a turn in the changing room,” said Mtawarira.

“I was only only wearing my towel and was half naked back then so he said it was a change for me to be fully dressed.”

Prince William joined in a training session with some young players where his royal status was no barrier to the odd rough tackle.

Tom Solimi from the Ocean View Secondary School, who has international ambitions and wants to be a South African Springbok, was one of several who tried their luck coaxed on by teammates.

“It was just a game, it was just a bit of rugby,” he said.

“We wanted to play a little game to make him welcome, and we really enjoyed it.”

The visit was organised by the Atlas Charity, which was created by England 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Jason Leonard.

He was in the township to show the prince around.

“Some of the boys and girls want to get away from their normal home life,” he said.

“They come to a place like this that is a safe sanctuary where they can spend two to three hours here being a child.”