I’m a former England Rugby World Cup winner but now I’m a member of the Royal Family
THERE are only a small number of people who can say they have won the Rugby World Cup with England, but there’s only ONE who can say they’re also a member of the Royal Family.
Mike Tindall was part of England’s 2003 World Cup winning team and is also married to Zara Tindall, who is 20th in line to the throne.
The retired centre played for England between 2000 and 2011 and was a crucial part of the their success during the World Cup in Australia 20 years ago.
And it was during the competition that he met his now wife Zara who was down under representing the Royal Family at the tournament.
The pair were married in 2011 and now have three children together.
It may seem strange that a professional rugby player would find himself married into the Royal Family, but Zara also has a history in elite level sport.
The 42-year-old is an equestrian and even won an Olympic silver medal as part of Team GB’s eventing team for the London 2012 games.
The couple have made an impressive name for themselves when it comes to sporting achievements.
And Mike has thrown himself into a lot of things off the pitch too with the former rugby star going on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here last year.
And the 44-year-old even consulted the Royal Family about his decision to go on the reality show before he agreed to do it.
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Despite admitting he held the conversations he stayed tight lipped about the contents of them.
Speaking to The Mirror, he said: “We did [speak about it], well, I had a few conversations, but they’re between me and them.”
Mike has perviously also spoken about how the Royal Family pulled together following the passing of the Queen last year.
Chatting on The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast, he said: “In some ways [it was] amazing. To see the family come so close together overnight.
“You never predict it. A 96-year-old lady, you know it’s going to happen but you’re never ready for when it does.
“Watching what Zara had to go through, obviously she loved the Queen beyond everything else.
“Their connection with horses, they had a real bond around that. It’s like the world has lost its grandmother in some way.”
Mike retired from rugby back in 2014 after spells with Bath and Gloucester.
He will be hoping that the England national team can replicate his 2003 side’s success during the fast approaching World Cup in France.
The tournament kicks off on Friday September 7 with England’s first game taking place on Saturday against Argentina.