I would have loved to be at the Royal Wedding. If I got an invite I certainly would not decline.

Brian O'Driscoll attending? Surely not.... I am sure he was sighted playing for Leinster in a fairly important match this weekend?

But why would he be there? Is he a good mate? Or are all those sports stars merely window dressing?

Perhaps Richie is enlightened?

@ Susie #99 - how narrow minded for god's sake, it's got nothing to do with his ego, he just takes his profession seriously. A large proportion of New Zealand treat Rugby as a religion, he probably feels a great responsibility, especially as captain.

Also: "Willy's big day" - what is this, the Sun or the Daily Mail? Clearly Stuff is just an online tabloid.

Personally I think Richie will live to regret this decision: he'll look back in 20 years and realise that he can hardly remember who the Crusaders were playing that was so important for him to be around and not attend a true once-in-a-lifetime event. He'd only need a week or so off, and it's not like his position in any team is in any doubt: he's the most nailed on of nailed on picks for both the ABs and Crusaders despite his injury.

I'm sorry but how is someone's sexual orientation "openly-gay Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas" in any way shape or form important in the context of this story? That's as silly as following this comment with "and openly hetrosexual Irish rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll". Good grief - will you also be making that important clarification for 'openly-gay' Elton John?

@ #95

Wow I had no idea that my 9 year old daughter and I were alcoholics climbing the stands when we go to the Crusaders games....nice to see some good old kiwi ignorance being posted...like they say if you can't say something nice then keep quiet....Oh but one more thing from me. communal showers vs slapping butts and hugging like soccer players....Id take the communal showers and the real men anyday

Winning the rugby world cup is one million times more important than some toffs wedding.

What! Nearly a month on and this "news" item is still taking up cyberspace.