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RWC 2015: Wales team report ghost sightings ahead of Australia match - 'some of them reckon they have seen Henry VIII'

Samson Lee has put sightings down to a 'bang on the head' 

Simon Rice
Tuesday 06 October 2015 09:42 BST
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Oatlands Park Hotel where the 'sightings' have occurred
Oatlands Park Hotel where the 'sightings' have occurred

Wales might have escaped the 'Pool of Death' but a few of their players claim they are being haunted from beyond the grave.

As they prepare for their Rugby World Cup meeting with Australia this weekend, some players have spotted a "couple of ghosts" whilst others "reckon they have seen Henry VIII".

The sightings have come at the Oatlands Park Hotel in Weybridge, the team's base a few miles from Twickenham. The hotel has a history of guests reporting paranormal activity, with a so-called "grey lady" said to walk the corridors and extreme temperature changes reported in room 1313.

Prop Samson Lee explained what had been going on: "A few of the boys think they have seen a ghost and it is probably best to stay away from room 1313.

"Some of them reckon they have seen Henry VIII. It has been discussed at meal times and Dan Lydiate is not happy about it. He says he has seen a ghost but I think he is dreaming. He had a bang on the head and that might be the problem."

Dan Lydiate is among those to have seen a ghost

The historic country house, which stands on the site of the Royal Palaces of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, became a hotel in 1856. According to legend, a maid died in service in the 19th century. Apparently she fell out with her fiancée who also worked at the house and fled to the bell tower above room 1313. After barricading herself in, she then leapt to her death.

Wales flanker James King said: “There are a couple of stories about Henry VIII.

“Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau have done a little research and said they had seen a couple of ghosts the other week.

“Fingers crossed, I haven’t seen any yet.

“But I am sure a few of the boys are playing some pranks on each other by hiding in the cupboard.”

Wales play Australia at 4.45pm on Saturday to determine who will top Pool A.

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