Harry to meet Japanese Paralympic hopefuls before Rugby World Cup final

The Duke of Sussex will meet Japanese Paralympic hopefuls in Tokyo ahead of England’s World Cup Rugby final match against South Africa, Buckingham Palace has said.

Harry has left wife Meghan and baby son Archie behind for the trip to the Far East in his role as patron of the Rugby Football Union.

He has already sent a good luck message to England head coach Eddie Jones’s team – and included a photo of Archie in a Red Rose jersey.

The Palace said when the duke arrives in Tokyo on Saturday he will visit a purpose-built para sports training centre.

It added: “The duke will view various training sessions including wheelchair rugby, boccia and powerlifting. His Royal Highness will meet the athletes to hear about their inspiring journeys as they prepare to qualify for Tokyo 2020.

“The duke will also meet a group of local schoolchildren, including from the Yokohama area, where Paralympics GB will be based for pre-Games training.”

Harry was at the stadium in Sydney stadium when England’s rugby heroes were victorious against Australia in the 2003 World Cup final and it appears he wants to be part of the experience again.

Harry has met members of England’s squad a number of times and it is likely he will join them in their dressing room ahead of the final at the International Stadium Yokohama.