South Africa fan cycles 26,700 miles - to see his team lose

Ron Rutland at the stadium Credit: Ron Rutland/Twitter

Video report by ITV News' Peter Smith

Rugby fan Ron Rutland cycled 26,700 miles across two continents so he could watch South Africa in the World Cup - only to see them lose.

The huge trek took the former banker two years and he timed it so he could arrive in the UK in time to see South Africa play Japan on Saturday.

Ron, 41, was shocked as the Springboks were beaten 32-34 by Japan, who last won a World Cup match 24 years ago.

Ron told ITV News: "I let the evening soak in and I just realised I witnessed history. I just watched the greatest upset, not just in rugby history but arguably one of the greatest upsets in sporting history."

Ron had been promising himself for years that he would do something adventurous.

He decided on the massive trek through Africa and Europe to raise money for charity.

He has been raising money for the Laureus Foundation and named his adventure after friend Nix “Lettie” Haynes, who was diagnosed with cancer before he left and lost her battle half way through his journey.