Warren Gatland surprises Shropshire Lions fans on their wedding day - watch here

Rebecca Seery, originally from Dublin, and Harry Johnston, from Shropshire, met in Australia at the Third Test in 2013 as Gatland masterminded a spectacular victory to seal a series triumph for the Lions in Sydney.

Fast forward three years and Gatland was again on hand in September to provide some words of wisdom on their special day at Harry's home in Wykey, near Oswestry, as the couple embarked on married life together.

"How brilliant is it for an Irish woman and an Englishman to meet on a Lions Tour and end up getting married?" said the coach in a pre-recorded video message.

"For me it was an incredibly special day and obviously it was for them too. I just want to wish Harry and Rebecca all the best for a happy and long life together."

Gatland's message was played during the best man's speech at Harry and Rebecca's wedding reception – to the complete surprise of the couple.

"My initial reaction was pure shock," said Rebecca. "And then I got a bit teary as the Lions game played such a significant part in our relationship.

"To have it broadcast for our family and friends really brought it home what a chance encounter we had on that day - then to be watching it back on our wedding day made it all so real."

Rebecca wasn't the only one to get a little emotional following Gatland's appearance.

"I won't be allowed to forget it by Rebecca, but I didn't shed a tear at the church, or during any of the speeches," said Harry, grandson of Test Match Special commentator and broadcasting legend Brian Johnston.

"But when I saw the video message, I started getting emotional thinking back to how I sat next to Rebecca as a complete stranger that day, and there she was sitting to my right again, but this time as my wife."

Rebecca added: "He managed to stifle some happy tears when I walked down the aisle but once he saw Warren he was gone."