UK flag

Simon Dedman, a BBC reporter at the scene, said Reform UK district councillor Jaymey McIvor was among the crowd, and a Reform UK flag could be seen among the union jacks and St George's flags being waved.

Across the street, a UK flag hung over the staircase of a battered building, crumpled and dirty.

Since then, many UK flag teams such as the East Kilbride Pirates have reported a boom in awareness and interest, from newcomers and also from tackle players wanting to switch over.

In Brazil, the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue near Rio de Janeiro was lit up with the colors of the UK flag.

He is now looking to create a community training facility in south London yet admits he is frustrated at trying to secure a British passport, despite flying the UK flag on one of the biggest stages in world sport.