Schoolchildren welcome Fiji rugby team to UK ahead of World Cup

Fiji team sing a hymn at Hampton Court Palace Credit: ITV News

Video report by Ian Payne, ITV News Sports Correspondent

Fiji's rugby team were given a warm welcome on their arrival to the UK for the Rugby World Cup.

The team came to Hampton Court Palace where they sang a spiritual hymn before they were officially welcomed by the Rugby World Cup committee.

Schoolchildren from Essex then sang the World Cup anthem to the team after winning a competition to perform to them.

Thurstable School is one of 20 schools that have been chosen for the ceremonies that will officially welcome international teams to the UK.

Tiptree's Thurstable School choir Credit: ITV News

The Fijians will play in the opening match of the World Cup as they take on England at Twickenham on 18 September.

Fiji's captain, Akapusi Qera, insisted that they are not just going to make up the numbers.

Akapusi Qera receiving a plaque as part of their welcoming ceremony Credit: ITV News

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