Princess Kate displays rugby skills on wheelchair to the astonishment of champs
World
It was a day when notoriously competitive Kate was back on show, displaying her sporty side
(Web Desk) - The Princess of Wales wheeled away in triumph on Thursday after scoring a try and a conversion when she had a go at different versions of disability rugby league.
It was a day when notoriously competitive Kate was back on show, displaying her sporty side despite having her fingers strapped up for extra protection after a trampolining injury.
During a visit to Hull, Kate, 41, refused to let the recent injury affect her approach to playing wheelchair rugby league, vowing: "I'm going to get stuck in."
Sporting a bandage across her index and middle finger as a "precaution”, she showed no fear and was soon in the thick of it.
The future queen, patron of the Rugby Football League, smiled, joked and introduced herself to many of her teammates during the practice period with Hull FC players and some members of England’s World Cup-winning wheelchair squad after being given a quick course in playing the sport on wheels.
But the pressure moment came when she had to hit the ball over the bar after watching England player Tom Halliwell expertly punt it between the posts.
England's World Cup-winning wheelchair aces were astonished by how quickly she picked up the skills. They cheered and applauded after she scored in the corner before adding a conversion.
Tom Coyd, England's coach, said: "She took to manoeuvring the chair really quickly.
"I'm not just saying this because it's her, but it's the first time I've ever seen anyone score a conversion at their first attempt.
"I think she's been having secret practice sessions before coming here because she was a natural.
"She even finished off a passing move with a try in the corner.
"She blew me away, to be honest."
Kate made the trip to Hull as part of Rugby League inclusivity day.
She chatted with wheelchair players before taking part in drills with players who have learning disabilities.
The Princess was presented with three England rugby league shirts - one each for George, Charlotte and Louis.
Wheelchair Rugby League is currently the most inclusive format across Rugby League.
It provides the opportunity for all to play together regardless of gender or disability. - Courtesy
