The Princess of Wales has wished England’s rugby league teams success as they prepare to compete at the World Cup in Australia.
Catherine sent her message to the men’s, women’s and wheelchair squads ahead of the international tournament, which will bring together teams from across the world.
“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,” the Princess wrote.
“Good luck to all the players, coaches and support staff representing England on the world stage.”
The message highlights Catherine’s commitment to her sporting patronages, which include both rugby league and rugby union.
She became patron of the Rugby Football League (RFL) and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in February 2022. The appointments followed Prince Harry’s decision to step back from his role as a working member of the Royal Family in 2020.
Since taking on the positions, Catherine has maintained her involvement in rugby, attending major matches and meeting players and representatives from across the sport.
Her patronages span different forms of the game, including the women’s and wheelchair formats, which feature alongside the men’s competition at the World Cup.
England’s three teams now face their respective challenges in Australia.
The men begin their campaign against Tonga in Perth, with the squad hoping to progress through the group stage and reach the final stages in Brisbane.
England’s women open against Wales before facing tournament hosts Australia, while the wheelchair team will seek to build on their previous World Cup triumph on home soil.
Matches will take place across Perth, Wollongong, Sydney and Brisbane, with England’s squads aiming to make an impression on the international stage.
