Duchess of Cambridge takes over from Harry as patron of English rugby

The Duchess of Cambridge has become the patron of English rugby, taking over from Prince Harry.

Prince Harry handed back the role when he stepped down as a working member of the Royal family.

She becomes the figurehead for both the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League.

Her aides in Kensington Palace say the roles reflect her “longstanding passion for sport and the lifelong benefits it can provide”.

Welcome to our new Patron, the Duchess of Cambridge 🌹

👋 @KensingtonRoyal pic.twitter.com/c3uwMuibDw

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 2, 2022

RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney said: “”As rugby clubs have re-opened across the country, players, officials, and volunteers are celebrating being back in the game together, and we know the support of the duchess will be greatly valued.”

Rugby league chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: “We are delighted to welcome her as we prepare to host men’s, women’s, wheelchair and physical disability rugby league World Cups in England this autumn.”

He continued: “Our sport’s history has been built on a commitment to tackling inequalities and we honour that through our focus on having a positive social impact well beyond the pitch.”

The announcement comes ahead of this year’s Six Nations rugby union competition, with the first fixtures this weekend.

This competition will see the duchess as patron of the England team, coming up against her husband Prince William, who is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union. His aunt Princess Anne is patron of the Scottish Rugby Union.

I am so thrilled to become Patron of the @TheRFL and @EnglandRugby 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏉

Two fantastic organisations who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish. pic.twitter.com/voctCHx7BA

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) February 2, 2022