Wince William takes a painful blow as his first official tour kicks off

Rugby-mad youngsters left Prince William nursing a delicate injury yesterday as he embarked on a tour of New Zealand.

William gave a yelp and winced as a ball thrown by a schoolboy from Pakuranga club in Auckland hit him a painful blow, one of his young team mates joking: “He got him in the crown jewels.”

The incident came after the Prince had spoken about the importance of his first official tour on behalf of the monarch and his hopes of living up to the standards set by his grandmother.

The second-in-line to the throne described how deputising for the Queen in New Zealand was important to him.

But he dashed speculation the landmark three-day visit to the South Pacific islands would herald more tours, saying he had a lot more training to do for his military career as an RAF search and rescue pilot.

William’s comments were made as he toured the 110m redeveloped Eden Park stadium in Auckland which will host next year’s Rugby World Cup final.

The start visit was marked by its relaxed atmosphere and lack of formality demonstrated by the 27-year-old Prince’s casual clothes.

The engagements also followed the same theme – with William spending his first day visiting two sporting events. After the rugby, he went sailing.

“It’s great being here, I did come about four and a half years ago – had a great time here.

“This is obviously a bit more official, although still enjoying the fact it’s reasonably relaxed, and I just love seeing everyone and seeing more of New Zealand, so it’s great,” he said.

Later, the Prince received a traditional Maori greeting reserved for a chief as he opened the country’s new 38m Supreme Court building.

Elders from Wellington’s Maori community honoured him with a hongi – a nose pressing greeting.