FIJI’S rugby players kneeled in respect before Britain’s Princess Anne prior to their Autumn Nations Series clash with Scotland at Twickenham.
As the British royal was introduced to each of the players’ they knelt down and clapped three times out of respect for the Brit.
As each player shook hands they exchanged a few words with Princess Anne, who smiled throughout the ceremony.
Clapping three times is traditionally performed during a Fijian Kava ceremony, signifying the bringing together of two families.
After drinking the Kava root drink it is customary to clap three times and say “mathe”.
Reacting to the Fijians mark of respect, one fan wrote: “HRH Princess Anne looks like a gentle lady…Great respect shown by Fiji players.”
A second said: “I am in no way a Royalist, in fact im very much against the establishment however ive always thought Princess Anne was quite impressive and watching her meet the Fijian rugby team just now she was impeccable and looked so interested.”
“Absolutely loving the respect @fijirugby are showing Princess Anne,” commented a third.
A clip:
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“Oh god yes” – Wayne Barnes and Nigel Owens rank the five worst players to referee
Nigel Owens and Wayne Barnes have been revealing the toughest players they’ve had to referee during their career as high-profile match officials.
Two of the best referee’s to ever pick up an ACME Whistle, it’s interesting to see who give them the hardest time on the rugby pitch.
DID YOU KNOW? Nigel Owens started refereeing in 1987, after his sports teacher John Beynon suggested he take up refereeing after a poor performance in a school game.
#1. Richie McCaw
BARNES SAID: “Richie always had the knack of asking the right question at the right time, sometimes it felt like I was losing a little bit of control. Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t talk a lot on the field. He knew the law book inside out and so when he asked a question, he often had a point.”
OWENS SAID: “If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards.”