Prince Harry and Meghan steal the spotlight at Waratahs clash – and an old World Cup bond is rekindled

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle turned a routine Super Rugby clash into a global spectacle on Friday night, attending the NSW Waratahs’ showdown with Moana Pasifika at Allianz Stadium.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were hosted in a private suite by Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh, as part of their brief one-night stop in Sydney at the end of their four-day visit to Australia.

Their appearance comes less than two years out from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with officials hoping the high-profile visit would help build momentum toward the tournament.

‘Harry loves his rugby and we are looking forward to hosting him and Meghan at Friday night’s game,’ Waugh had said ahead of the match.

‘Australian audiences will remember Harry celebrating as England held aloft the Webb Ellis trophy on these shores in 2003.

‘And with the Rugby World Cup returning to Australia next year, we are delighted to welcome him back for a match that will feature Test players from Australia and across the Pacific.’

The visit also led to a long-awaited reunion between Harry and Waratahs assistant coach Mike Catt, rekindling a friendship that dates back more than two decades.

Catt, a member of England’s famous World Cup-winning setup, had revealed earlier in the week just how far back their connection goes, tracing it to the era under Clive Woodward.

‘I’ve known Harry for a long time. He was involved with the England set-up when Clive Woodward was there, so from really early doors,’ Catt said.

‘I think I met him first as a five-year-old or something like that. He was always involved with all of Clive Woodward’s era.

‘When we won the World Cup … he was out with us in the World Cup there.’

Catt also made it clear the royal’s passion for the game remains as strong as ever.

‘He genuinely loves his rugby. I’m not sure about Meghan, but I know Harry definitely loves his rugby. Good guy and it’s great for the game,’ he said.

‘It’s a huge benefit for us.’

Security was visibly heightened throughout the venue, with Allianz Stadium undergoing a full walkthrough in the lead-up to the match to ensure the couple’s safety.

On the field, the Waratahs were under pressure to respond after a heavy loss in their previous outing, while Moana Pasifika arrived with added motivation following confirmation of their impending exit from Super Rugby.

The visitors have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning the last three clashes between the sides, and again proved a formidable challenge.

Catt had acknowledged the threat in the lead-up, describing their situation as ‘a crying shame’ while warning of their physicality and unpredictability.

‘They’ve got a lot of X Factor, a lot of big bodies in their team,’ he said.

‘It’s just making sure that when they come to Allianz tomorrow night, that we’re able to contain it and put our stamp on the game.’