ALL BLACKS TRAIN AT THE LENSBURY, TEDDINGTON
Photography courtesy of Saud Ahmed
The famous All Blacks rugby squad from New Zealand, one of the favourites to win the Rugby World Cup in France next month, have set up camp at The Lensbury in Teddington.
The team is due to play World Champions South Africa as part of their World Cup preparation in a sell- out match at Twickenham on Friday evening. ( kick off 7.30pm)
Three of the players enjoyed a trip to nearby Richmond to visit the film location of the award-winning TV series Ted Lasso near The Prince’s head pub, which is shown on Apple TV+
They also discovered the popular Italian embroidery shop Reale Camiceria frequented by the Ted Lasso cast including Jason Sudeikis and offering a style of Lasso fashion items.
The match in London will be just the second time the two great rivals have played each at England’s home of rugby, the other being the All Blacks tense 20-18 semi-final win at the 2015 RWC.
All Blacks’ Head Coach Ian Foster said the Test was an ideal preparation ahead of the team’s RWC opener against France a fortnight later.
“This match will form an important part of our preparations for Rugby World Cup. Matches against the Springboks are always hard-fought and we are expecting nothing less than a titanic battle on this unique occasion.”
Jacques Nienaber, the Springbok Head Coach, said: “We’re excited to play this vital fixture before the Rugby World Cup at the iconic Twickenham.
“There is a large contingent of passionate expats and Springbok supporters in London, and we have no doubt they will come out in numbers and give us a lift before we attempt to defend our World Cup crown.”
Bill Sweeney, RFU CEO commented: “We are looking forward to welcoming two powerhouses of global rugby. Both nations have sizable ex-pat communities in London and beyond, who will no doubt contribute to what is set to be an electric atmosphere at Twickenham Stadium.”
To enquire about tickets go to Tickets: New Zealand v South Africa, London | Fri, 25 Aug 2023, 19:30 |
