‘Great respect shown by Fiji players’
Members of the Fiji rugby team decided to kneel in respect before Princess Anne ahead of their Test match against Scotland at Murrayfield.
Princess Anne has been the patron of the Scottish Rugby Union since 1986, and was greeting the players of both teams before kickoff in their opening autumn international.
As the British royal was introduced to each of the players before the game by the Fiji captain, the players knelt down and clapped three times out of respect for her.
Each player shook hands with the royal as they exchanged a few words with her.
— Steven Smith
(@media_steven) November 5, 2022
One member of the side even decided to sit down for the royal.
Levani Botia sat down after greeting Princess Anne. #SCOvFIJ #AutumnNationSeries pic.twitter.com/SPCoMSZPpt
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) November 5, 2022
Clapping three times is traditionally performed during a Fijian Kava ceremony, signifying the bringing together of two families.
After drinking the Kava root drink it is customary to clap three times and say “mathe”, Ruck reports.
The mark of respect received plenty of praise online from viewers.
One fan wrote: “HRH Princess Anne looks like a gentle lady…Great respect shown by Fiji players.”
Brilliant moments between the Fijian players and Princess Anne.
It progressed and progressed and progressed until the final player fully sat down.
Could also clearly tell the players with military experience.
— RugbyInsideLine (@RugbyInsideLine) November 5, 2022
A second said: “I am in no way a Royalist, in fact im very much against the establishment however I’ve always thought Princess Anne was quite impressive and watching her meet the Fijian rugby team just now she was impeccable and looked so interested.”
“Absolutely loving the respect @fijirugby are showing Princess Anne,” commented a third.
Despite a bright opening half hour which saw them lead 12-7 against the Scots, the spirited Fijians were eventually defeated 28-12 at Murrayfield.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CklWBRqsR-r/
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