Kate Middleton showcases her rugby skills at Twickenham Stadium - best photos

The Duchess has been handed two new rugby patronages

Updated on 02 Feb 2022

Danielle StaceyOnline Royal CorrespondentLondon

The Duchess of Cambridge joined an England rugby training session at Twickenham Stadium on Wednesday following confirmation of her two new patronages.

Kate, who has already hinted at some of her skills in a fun Instagram video, met England players, coaches and referees at her first public outing with the Rugby Football Union.

The Duchess has become patron of the RFU and Rugby Football League, taking over the roles from her brother-in-law, Prince Harry.

Kate, wearing a black England rugby top, black sports leggings and trainers, was asked whether she was ready for her session as she was greeted at Twickenham.

The Duchess replied: "Absolutely. I've got my kit on."

She switched into a pair of rugby boots as she headed onto the pitch.

Take a look at some of the incredible shots of the Duchess in action on the pitch in our gallery...

WATCH: Kate Middleton showcases her rugby skills at Twickenham Stadium

During her visit, the Duchess met members of the men's and women's squads and their coaching teams as they prepare for the Six Nations Championships.

Kate heard about their hopes for the upcoming year, including for the Women's World Cup, which will take place in New Zealand in the autumn, and how the pandemic has impacted the sport over the past two years.

She then joined the players for a skills session on the pitch, run by Head England Coach Eddie Jones.

MORE: Kate Middleton impresses royal fans with incredible rugby ball trick

Keep clicking for more photos...

Ahead of her outing, Kate said in an Instagram post: "I am so thrilled to become Patron of the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union – two fantastic organisations who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish.

"I look forward to working with them across all levels of the games, and to cheering England on in what promises to be an exciting year for both sports! C."

MORE: Kate Middleton surprises with new hairstyle and sport luxe look Twickenham

Kate is a known sports enthusiast and has attended rugby matches in the UK, as well as the Six Nations tournament in Paris in 2017.

And in a piece for Vanity Fair in 2014, the Duchess' younger sister, Pippa Middleton, wrote about her family's love for the sport: "Rugby was a big thing for our family, and the focal point was international matches, which were often played on Saturday afternoons and were as much social as sporting occasions.

"We'd plan our weekends around the big matches, a quick bite to eat at halftime or lunch on our laps, typically a chicken potpie or something equally cosy and English. If we lost, my dad would be in a state of despair for the rest of the afternoon, as if he'd actually lost the game himself."

Kate looked like she was having the time of her life during the training session!

The Duchess couldn't stop giggling as she was lifted into the air during a training drill.

How about this for an action shot?

Kate prompted cheers from her new teammates when she caught the ball after being lifted high above their heads in a lineout.

There's a chance we could see Kate and husband, Prince William, get competitive later this month. The Duke is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union and Wales will take on England at Twickenham on Saturday 26 February in the Guinness Six Nations 2022.

The Duchess took part in a scrum during the training session.

The Duchess was certainly put through her paces by the teams.

After running past players to practise scoring a try, Kate celebrated by holding both her hands aloft after her touchdown and saying: "If only it was that easy."

Bill Sweeney, Chief Executive of the Rugby Football Union said. "It is a great honour to welcome The Duchess of Cambridge as our Patron. Our aim is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union, develop the sport for future generations and create a successful thriving game across the country.

"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 from our grass roots clubs and fast-growing women and girls' game, right up to our elite Men's and Women's England teams."