MEMBERS OF the England rugby team surprised all at Brown’s Sports and Leisure Club on Wednesday (July 4) as they walked on to the pitch wearing special t-shirts of missing Madeleine McCann.
The shirts had Madeleine’s photograph on the front and the Look for Madeleine logo on the back. Head Coach Brian Ashton said: “Yesterday was the second month anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance and the England squad wanted to show their support for Madeleine and her family at training today.”
Brown’s Sports and Leisure Club owner Alan Brown said: “The McCanns came
 “The clock is ticking down to the World Cup,” said England skipper Phil Vickery. Photo: MARK RAWCLIFFE – The Resident |
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yesterday to Brown’s to personally thank the team and their manager for their support.”
The team was on top form as the players trained for three hours in the Algarve sun, practicing attack and defence strategies, line-ups and ball skills.
After the training session, they signed autographs for the public on official postcards of their team photograph.
Later in the day, team members were available for interviews on the pitch and England skipper Phil Vickery told The Resident: “It’s a good opportunity to work and meet different people. The players are trying to make the best of the time here as the clock is ticking down to the World Cup. The training camp is laying the foundation for the forthcoming weeks. The guys are working hard as they are aware that training here will be part of the selection for the World Cup team.”
Alan Brown said: “As I am English, it’s a tremendous privilege and honour to receive the England rugby team here at Brown’s. This year has gone very well for the club. We have had a whole selection of teams throughout the year. On August 24, we will be receiving the Australian national rugby team, who will be staying for six nights on their way to the World Cup”.
Training at the club continues until today (Friday, July 6) before the team’s return to England tomorrow. Once the team returns to England, they will meet again in Bath on Tuesday (July 10) for a Rugby World Cup training camp.
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