1 JULY 2005

Sporting Prince William put his rugby skills to the test on Friday as he joined the British and Irish Lions for a gruelling practice on the pitch.

Lions fans who'd gathered to watch their favourite squad train were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the 23-year-old royal working up a sweat in a team tracksuit as well. "I didn't know he was going to be here today," said rugby follower Katie Thelwell. "I was pretty gobsmacked."

Meanwhile, a big-hearted waitress at a local restaurant made sure the handsome Prince didn't leave empty-handed after he stopped in for a cup of hot chocolate.

"He was exceptionally charming, really lovely," said 32-year-old Catrina MacGregor, who gave the royal a New Zealand T-shirt. "He was standing up when his group left, and I gave him a hug."

The Prince, who is Down Under on a ten-day trip, also served up a perfect photo op during the stop, posing for snaps with some locals.