Prince William’s rugby skills are put to the test in a South African township

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

“The last time I shook his hand was in 2013 in Cardiff where we had just won the Prince of Wales Cup against Wales and he usually takes a turn in the dressing room,” Mtawarira said.

“I was only wearing my towel at the time and was half naked, so he said it was a change for me to be fully clothed.”

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

Ocean View Secondary School’s Tom Solimi, who has international ambitions and wants to become a South African Springbok, was among many who tried their luck, urged on by teammates.

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

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

The visit was organized by the Atlas Charity, founded by England Rugby World Cup winner Jason Leonard in 2003.

He was in the congregation to show the prince around.

“Some boys and girls want to escape their normal family life,” he said.

“They come to a place like this, a safe place where they can spend two to three hours as a child.”