Princess Catherine has sent a heartwarming message to the England Rugby League teams competing in the Rugby League World Cup, which kicked off on Thursday with a thrilling 24-22 win for Australia over New Zealand.
The tournament, co-hosted by Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, runs until the final on November 15. On Saturday morning, the Princess issued words of encouragement to all teams ahead of their next games, writing on the social media account she shares with her husband, Prince William.
Message of support
She wrote: "Wishing the England Men's, Women's and Wheelchair Rugby League teams the very best as they travel to Australia for the Rugby League World Cup. Good luck to all the players, coaches and support staff representing England on the world stage. C."
The words were shared alongside a video published by the Rugby League.
Tournament context
England is currently the world champion in the wheelchair competition, while Australia is defending its titles in the men's and women's competitions.
England's men's team will face Tonga, France and Papua New Guinea in the group stages. England women will face Wales, Australia and Samoa, while the wheelchair team will play Ireland, Wales and the USA.
Patronage and training
Princess Catherine officially took over from Prince Harry as patron of the Rugby League in 2022, appointed by Queen Elizabeth II after Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020. She was also appointed patron of the Rugby Union.
Since taking on the positions, Catherine has shown her support for the sport, attending major matches and undertaking a training day at Twickenham Stadium, which drew praise from former England captain and cousin-in-law Mike Tindall.
Speaking on his podcast, The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, Mike Tindall said Catherine looked "pretty good" on the pitch.
Co-host Alex Payne told Mike and James Haskell: "Well, can I just say something which is 77 caps for your country [James] and 75 caps for your country [Mike], she looks a more natural rugby player than both of you put together."
Mike replied: "I text Ellis [Genge] and said, 'Mate, please tell me anything she messed up on' so I could sort of… family WhatsApp group, get to her, and he said, 'No she was actually pretty good, and she was really good at kicking,' and I was like [sighs]. But she has this competitive nature."
