William dons boots for kick about with Lions

Second-in-line to the British throne Prince William showed off his rugby kicking skills and got some tips from the experts this morning at an open training session with the Lions.

The 23-year-old, wearing a Lions tracksuit, kicked a ball around with English first five-eighth Charlie Hodgson in a staged event for a 50-strong national and international media contingent.

Lions technical coach Dave Alred was on hand to give the Prince some tips on his kicking before taking him for some practice in the net.

Prince William is in New Zealand for 11 days on his first solo engagements acting on the Queen's behalf.

The keen rugby fan was invited to join the end of the Lions tour by coach Sir Clive Woodward.

His New Zealand visit comes a week after the Prince graduated with an arts degree from Scotland's St Andrew's University where he played rugby as a centre or winger.

Royal spokesman Patrick Harrison said Prince William brought his own rugby boots to the practice session.

"He's very passionate about rugby,' he told NZPA. "But he also likes polo and waterpolo."

Lions fan Katie Thelwell, who moved to Wellington from Nottingham three years ago, was excited to get an opportunity to see her team train. Finding Prince William at the Basin Reserve was an added extra.

"I didn't know he was going to be here today," she told NZPA. "I was pretty gobsmacked."

Julia McIntosh and Paul Whitham -- dressed in All Blacks' colours -- spotted the Lions on the field from their nearby office.

Prince William had "great skills", said Mr Whitham who was hoping to watch him kick for goal. "We're waiting for him to try a real one."

It was going to be a huge weekend in Wellington with the Barmy Army in town for the second test, Ms McIntosh said. "It's awesome; considering I'm not really that into rugby."

Prince William will add his support to the Lions at the second test at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night. He will also attend Tuesday's game against Auckland and the third test there.

The All Blacks will also get to show their skills to the prince when he attends a public training session at Western Springs in Auckland on Monday before lunch with the team on Tuesday.

This afternoon Prince William will follow in the footsteps of his father Prince Charles and grandmother the Queen when he plants a tree at Government House.

It is the prince's second visit to New Zealand: he was here in 1983 as a nine-month-old.

- NZPA