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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Ryan Fahey

Prince George shares he's learning to play rugby but hasn't tackled mum Kate yet

Prince George revealed he's learning how to play rugby as he cheekily teased mum Kate saying: "But I haven't tackled you yet!".

The royal schoolboy, eight, sat between Prince William and Kate Middleton - who were supporting opposing sides as England faced off against Wales in a Six Nations contest at Twickenham yesterday.

The match - which England won 23-19 - was the first after Kate became patron of England's Rugby Football Union (RFU). William has been the figurehead of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) since 2016.

AS the Cambridges met RFU figures before kick off, Kate revealed how George is rearing to start playing the sport at school

Kate explained: "He has all the kit."

After sharing that he's been learning how to tackle, he turned to his mum and cheekily quipped: "But I haven't tackled you yet!"

Kate replied, laughing: "Yes you have!"

Prince George sat between his parents yesterday as they watched England take on Wales in a Six Nations contest at Twickenham yesterday (NurPhoto/PA Images)

William, who has been patron of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) since 2016, and Kate are known for their rivalry during sporting engagements and the pair sported their own team scarves on Saturday.

George sat in between his mother and father at the game, and Kate was seen leaning down to talk to her smiley eight-year-old son, while both parents pointed things out to him.

William wore a navy suit and clutched a red Wales scarf while Kate sported a black and white checked coat over trousers, and held an England scarf with her bag.

George appeared to be maintaining a diplomatic stance, with his red and blue puffa-style jacket free from any England or Wales symbols.

The Queen recently made Kate patron of the RFU - a position held by Prince Harry before he renounced royal duties (PA)
After becoming patron, Kate - a lifelong rugby fan - took part in training drills with the England team at Twickenham (WireImage)

Kate will be pleased with the final scoreline - 23-19 in England's favour.

Prior to kick-off, the royals met Jeff Blackett, president of the RFU, and Gerald Davies, president of the WRU.

They also met representatives of the RFU's community and grass roots game, volunteers and RFU council members including Joe Bedford and Commander Kirsty Marlor, who represents the Navy on the RFU Council.

The family met RFU figures before the game (PA)

"It's a big game," William said, keeping a protective arm on George's shoulders as he encouraged the young prince to "shake hands".

William said: "We're excited. It's just so good to be back, it's been quite weird watching games, and football, without the fans."

Asked whether George would be supporting his mother or father's team today, the young prince shrugged his shoulders and smiled at William, who laughed: "It's become quite the thing in the house," pointing at his wife, adding: "She is quite into it, I'm trying to stay out of it."

Kate (pictured being lifted in a line out drill) says when she was young, her family would plan their weekends around the rugby (Getty Images)

Speaking after their meeting, Commander Marlor said of George: "I get the impression he's yet to choose a team. I asked him which position he plays but I don't think he's got one yet.

"It is such an honour to have them all here today supporting the teams and a fantastic surprise to see George. The duchess was talking about how interested she is in the community game, which is so great to hear.

The duchess, known for her love of sport, said earlier this month she was "very proud" to become the RFU's figurehead, a role that used to belong to the Duke of Sussex.

Kate, 40, grew up watching England rugby games with the Middletons, and the family would plan their weekends around international matches.

The duchess said earlier this month she was "very proud" to be awarded the new position (Getty Images)

At an England training session earlier this month, she laughed when player Ellis Genge asked her about the new rivalry with William and admitted it would "make things interesting".

Kate said: "Ha, yes, what does that mean? We're terribly competitive.

"The fact we're now supporting two different teams is going to make things interesting."

The duchess also told of her children's enthusiasm for rugby, saying George plays the sport at school and three-year-old Louis likes to be in the "middle of everything".

She is the first member of the royal family to officially receive one of the Sussexes' past royal patronages, which they were stripped of post-Megxit.

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