Rugby League World Cup organisers have issued an apology after a disastrous opening ceremony at St James' Park in Newcastle.
The big curtain-raiser ahead of the opening match between England and Samoa went wrong as the stadium PA completely cut out as the trophy was being paraded, leaving spectators and broadcasters confused and bemused.
The technical difficulties meant Kaiser Chiefs, who had just started performing a set, were left standing on stage waiting for an update amid the silence. Frontman Ricky Wilson was forced to keep the St James' Park crowd entertained by sprinting up and down the touchline to raise spirits as the pre-tournament show was brought to an abrupt end.
