The tension is building across the UK as England prepares to host the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
England’s national women’s rugby team – known as the Red Roses – are all set to fight for the title, having announced their official squad last week.
Fans across the world are gearing up for what should be an exciting tournament – but there’s one fan in particular who will be paying close attention.
There will be anticipation building in royal circles too, particularly for the Princess of Wales, who is a longtime fan of the sport.
The royal has been patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), which is the national governing body for rugby union in England, since 2022. She also took on the role of patron of the Rugby Football League at the same time.
“I am so thrilled to become Patron of the @TheRFL and @EnglandRugby,” she shared on social media at the time.
“Two fantastic organisations who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish.”
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The statement was accompanied by a video of Kate and various players passing a rugby ball to one another, showcasing the range of people involved in rugby in England.
The Princess seemed to be having fun, laughing and spinning the ball on her finger.
Praise for the Princess
Sara Orchard, BBC Sport commentator and reporter, spoke exclusively to HELLO! ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. She praised the Princess’s involvement in and advocacy for the sport:
“The Princess of Wales being engaged and a patron of England women’s rugby is absolutely brilliant because it brings more eyes towards the game,” she said.
“I’m also quite excited by the fact that her husband, the Prince of Wales, is the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, so that could be a nice rivalry for us to watch out for.”
