Rugby stars back Madeleine search

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England rugby stars have shown their support for the family of missing four-year-old Madeleine McCann.

The players wore Madeleine T-shirts for training at their camp in Portugal's Algarve for the Rugby World Cup.

Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry, of Rothley, Leicestershire, had a private meeting with England head coach Brian Ashton and thanked him for the gesture.

Madeleine disappeared from a holiday apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz on the evening of 3 May.

'Very grateful'

The T-shirts worn by the players for their training session at Browns Sports Training Centre at Vilamoura had Madeleine's face on the front and the Look for Maddie logo on the back.

Mr Ashton said: "Yesterday was the second month anniversary of Madeline's disappearance and the England squad wanted to show their support for Madeleine and her family at training today.

"Our thoughts continue to be with them and we, like everyone else, hope that Madeleine is returned safely."

The McCanns said they were "very grateful" for the squad's encouragement and support.

The Rugby World Cup takes place in France - with some matches being played in Edinburgh and Cardiff - from 7 Sep to 20 Oct.