The Princess of Wales fulfilled a long-held promise to take a turn at wheelchair rugby when she visited a university sports centre.
The Yorkshire Post reported that the Princess joined a practice period with Hull FC players and some members of the wheelchair rugby league World Cup winning team at the University of Hull.
England wheelchair Rugby League coach Tom Coyd told the newspaper the Princess was a “natural” as she quickly got to grips with the game.
The Princess, Patron of the Rugby Football League, was taking part in a Rugby League Inclusivity Day hosted by the Rugby Football League, Hull FC and the University of Hull.
England’s team hosted the World Cup last November, beating their old rivals and reigning champions France 28-24 in a closely fought final.
Mr Coyd said the Princess had invited the squad to the Westminster Abbey carol service following their success and made a point then of singling them out.
She later hosted the team again at Hampton Court Palace in February, where she told them that she, William and their three children had watched the final on television – and youngest son Prince Louis was a keen rugby player.
Mr Coyd said: “She said she wanted to try and have a go herself. That’s what’s brought her here today – and she’s been absolutely amazing.
“To see Her Royal Highness pick up the game so quickly, and to be so involved, is incredible. This is the sport we all love. The most inclusive sport on the planet. Just to have this opportunity is amazing. Playing wheelchair rugby with the Princess of Wales – there’s no words for it.”
The Rugby League inclusivity day saw members of Hull FC’s wheelchair, physical disability and learning disability rugby league teams taking part in training skills sessions and friendly matches.
The teams were joined by students from Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence as they learned about and experienced the different forms of disability rugby league.
To Mr Coyd, the sport of wheelchair rugby is about more than physical exercise. For some players, the mental health benefits of playing and the social side in particular have proven to be incredibly special.
