A group of Welsh rugby players took time out on their day off in Cape Town to visit a children's hospital on Wednesday morning.
George North, Dewi Lake, Nick Tompkins and Will Rowlands were accompanied by attack coach Stephen Jones and team manager Martyn Williams as they visited the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in the city.
The players spent time with children who had undergone various surgeries, including heart, liver, kidney and brain procedures. They handed out cuddly toys and signed team photographs, as well as taking pictures with patients, parents and members of staff.
READ MORE: Jamie Roberts called in to train with Wales on day he retires from rugby
Wales lock Rowlands said: "We had a chance to meet the kids. I was up on the surgery ward and it was nice to say hello. They seemed pleased when we were giving out teddies."
When asked if it gave a little bit of perspective, he agreed: "It's very easy to get bogged down with the rugby out here with high stakes and playing Test match rugby. It's nice to spend some down time and get out to the community. Doing something like this today is very special."
Jones added: "We had an incredible welcome on the wards from the staff, children and their families and it was very humbling. We gave a few squad photos and they enjoyed searching for Will in the picture.
"It (community visits like this one) is of huge importance. Touring is about integrating yourself in the society you are going into, you get a full appreciation for the country and how it functions.
"It's great for the players and I am sure if you asked them they will say they have enjoyed their time in South Africa."
The visit was arranged by the Children's Hospital Trust, who are responsible for raising funds for the hospital to help provide infrastructure, equipment and training where it is needed.
Chantel Cooper, CEO of the Trust, explained that it is a particularly tough period for the staff at the hospital. Due to Covid, she explained that children's immune systems are not as strong as they might be, leading to a surge in patients with different viruses.
As the players gathered outside the hospital for a photograph with some children and staff, it was clear to see how excited everyone was, as hospital employees streamed out of various entrances to get a glimpse.
Cooper said: "They met children who underwent any form of surgery. Heart, kidney, liver and brain surgery. The patients, families and staff had so much fun. I struggled to get the players out of there and the players themselves didn't want to leave!
"The most beautiful part for me is when the players walk in, you see the kids' faces light up and that's what it's all about. It was just an hour but it is an hour of bringing sunshine. The majority of our kids come from impoverished communities and many of these kids are not only growing up in poverty but they are surrounded by violence on a daily basis.
"So something like this means a lot to the children and their families."
She added: "You should have seen the kids' faces. There was one little boy who was busy looking at a team photograph that was handed out and then Will Rowlands walked in and the child did a double take. The smile on his face was literally from ear to ear. It was absolutely beautiful.
"There was also a dad whose daughter was in hospital and he was excited to meet the players and take a photograph because his son plays under-9s rugby. So he was able to show his son that he'd met a Welsh player."
So will there be a little corner of Welsh support in Cape Town when Wayne Pivac's side take on the Springboks in the series decider?
"I don't know!" Cooper laughed. "I did warn the players that they were walking into Springbok territory!
"But instead of just seeing the team play, I think what the players showed is that there is a human side to them, and the coach. They showed they are not just rugby players, they are human too. For me, that was important for people to understand.
"There was a nurse who was head of one of the surgery wards who said: 'Whatever happens on Saturday, we're going to party, whether you win or the Springboks win'."
READ NEXT:
