Latest news with #MikeTindall
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Classic Wallabies win the battle of the old-timers
The hair might be thinner, the waistlines may be thicker, but the competitive spirit still sparked bright when the Classic Wallabies and British and Irish Legends met in a match at Melbourne's AAMI Park on Tindall, who never won selection for the Lions, but played against them off the bench for the Barbarians in a 2013 tour warm-up, played for the him were the likes of former Lions Alex Cuthbert, Shane Williams, Andy Powell and Tommy Giteau, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Drew Mitchell were among those turning out in green and gold. The Classic Wallabies ran out 41-31 winners, but the highlight of the match probably didn't figure on the scoreboard. Mitchell pulling a hamstring, to the delight of the watching Kurtley Beale, and then downing a pint garnered most online interest in the aftermath.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mike Tindall reveals what it's really like to join the Royal Family - as the Rugby World Cup hero dusts off his boots for surprise return to the pitch during Aussie getaway with his wife Zara
Rugby World Cup hero Mike Tindall has opened up on what it was like becoming a member of the Royal Family, as the former England superstar made his return to the footy pitch on Thursday night. Tindall, who retired back in 2014, starred in the British and Irish Lions Legends Match, as a group of home nations icons took on a Classic Wallabies XV at the AAMI Stadium in Melbourne. It was a hugely entertaining game that hilariously also saw Scotland legend Ryan Wilson dump-tackle the Lions' mascot prior to kick-off. Several big names from the world of rugby lined up on both sides, with Andy Powell, Tom May and Alex Cuthbert all starting for the Lions. But it was the Wallabies who would claim the bragging rights, with their star-studded backline - that featured Australian legends including Matt Giteau, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Drew Mitchell - spurring the hosts on to a 41-31 victory. Tindall, meanwhile, has been touring around Australia over the past month alongside his wife Zara. The pair, who were married back in 2011 at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, have been enjoying some rest and relaxation while Down Under, notably spending a couple of days last week on Hamilton Island, which is situated just off the Queensland coast. They have shared a few snaps from their trip to the island on Instagram, with the pair being seen embracing while standing on a yacht in front of the stunning clear blue water that surrounds the island. 'It's our first time being out on the water in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park too and it really was unreal,' Tindall wrote on Instagram. 'Queensland definitely has it all. Made some incredible memories. What an unforgettable way to spend some downtime.' Zara, an Olympic equestrian superstar, is the daughter of Princess Anne and the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II. She won silver in Eventing at the 2012 Olympic Games, and was notably presented with her medal by her mother. Earlier this month, the couple turned out to support Billy Slater's Queensland side during their State of Origin victory against New South Wales at the Accor Stadium. Zara donned a Maroons scarf while Mike sported a Queensland hat as the pair were invited back into the dressing room to celebrate with the team and coach Slater, who they are known to be good friends with. It comes as the former England centre also appeared in an interview with Sky Sports Golf presenter Wayne 'Radar' Riley on Wednesday. The pair took to the golf course as part of the Australian broadcaster's 'A Round with Radar' series, which is published on PING's YouTube channel. A funny moment took place before the match as Scotland legend Ryan Wilson was seen dump-tackling the Lions mascot As the pair made their way around the course, Radar quizzed Tindall on his life in sport and his marriage to Zara. 'As a family, they [the Royals] are sport-loving,' Tindall said when asked what it was like to be welcomed into the Royal Family. 'With Princess Anne being the patron of Scottish rugby now as well and the Prince and Princess of Wales being England patrons and Wales respectively, I was very fortunate that they knew a lot about rugby and had that sports side to it.' 'So you cruised into it there?' Radar replied. 'I wouldn't say I cruised into it...' Tindall responded. 'It's a journey you never plan for but they were just so good and so open.' Zara has followed in the footsteps of her mother, who competed at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, by pursuing a career in equestrian sports. Alongside her Olympic achievements, the 44-year-old also won the Eventing World Championship in 2006 and was later voted BBC Sports Personality of the year, 35 years after her mother won the same accolade. Radar then questioned the rugby union star on what it was like to be married to a fellow athlete. 'I think it's sort of something that has worked for us,' he replied. 'Especially, me being in a team sport and her being predominantly in an individual sport but has an element of a team when you get to the Olympics or a World Championships. Mike explained that their lives in sport have 'helped us understand each other' and added that their different sporting disciplines have 'benefitted them' Tindall enjoyed a glittering career in rugby union, making 108 appearances for Premiership sides Bath and 181 for Gloucester. He'd also go on to win 75 caps for England, but interestingly never played for the British and Irish Lions due to injuries. He did, though, play against the Lions during their 2013 tour of Australia, coming off the bench for the Barbarians, during their warm-up match in Hong Kong. He added: 'It helps us understand each other. You can recognise what framework we're in and understand people's routines and how to be supportive of each other at the right times. 'You know when to leave her alone because she's concentrating on cross country or whatever. 'Because her sport is very dangerous, ours is dangerous as well, but her sport is very dangerous. 'It's worked really well for us, just that understanding of each other and being able to plug gaps where some people might not understand what it's like to play professional sport. It has benefitted us to help us relax when things aren't going so well.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Why Aussie footy fans should be very worried about rugby star turned Royal Mike Tindall's special guest appearance at one of the NRL's biggest games
Rugby great Mike Tindall's Instagram post featuring him getting special access as he attended one of the biggest NRL games of the year could spell trouble for the code. A packed house was on hand at Accor Stadium in Sydney 's west on July 9 to watch the Queensland Maroons secure a shock series win over the New South Wales Blues in the deciding match of the 2025 State of Origin series. Former England international Tindall, who is now part of the British Royal Family, was at the match as the special guest of Queensland coach Billy Slater. Tindall is married to Zara Tindall - daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II - and they have three children together. He also became close friends with Slater after they crossed paths at a polo event in Queensland back in January 2024. Tindall has since posted a series of behind-the-scenes photos and videos from his State of Origin experience, which saw him and his wife given access to the Maroons dressing room. Trindall is also the founder of R360, a rebel rugby union competition that will target some of the NRL's biggest names 'So so so good to be at the 'Decider' of #stateoforigin2025. Incredible atmosphere and fair play to the Maroons after an emotional week, being able to put that emotion on the field in a great team performance,' he posted to Instagram. 'Thanks to @b1slater and [wife] @nicoleroseart for looking after us so well. Was amazing to be in the changing rooms and see everything that makes rugby (both codes) an incredible sport.' While the post and images may seem innocent enough, they should send chills down the spines of the ARL Commission that manages the NRL and every head coach in the game. Tindall is coming for the NRL's best talent, and the post was proof he got handed an access-all-areas pass to window-shop the most elite talent rugby league has to offer. The 46-year-old is a key ambassador for the breakaway rugby union competition R360, which needs to sign 200 players by September and is actively eyeing NRL talent. With the NRL expanding from 17 to 19 teams in the next few years, competition for players is fierce - and Tindall's involvement hints at a looming recruitment war between league and rebel rugby. R360 - short for Rugby 360 - is a proposed global, franchise-based league set to launch in September 2026. Co-founded by Tindall, it's backed by investors from Saudi Arabia, the US, UK, and elite sports franchises like Premier League, F1 and NFL. Penrith Panthers and NSW Blues star Nathan Cleary could be another target, given he has already achieved it all in the NRL and has previously been the subject of speculation about making a switch to union It aims to bring together around 300 top international players in eight men's and four women's teams. The competition would be scheduled across 16 rounds in condensed seasons split between April–June and August–September to avoid clashing with international windows. The concept borrows from the IPL cricket and LIV Golf models, featuring city-based teams, entertainment-packed match days, and seven-figure salaries for stars. Already a host of NRL players have been linked to the rebel competition. Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga could be a major target for R360, especially given his recent openness to exploring options outside rugby league and previous experience playing the 15-a-side game. Ryan Papenhuyzen is reportedly one of their top targets, with the Melbourne Storm fullback said to be weighing a multi-million dollar offer as his current deal ends in 2026. New Zealand Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has also attracted interest, with reports suggesting he could be offered a contract worth around $1.5million per season. speculation around a potential $3million annual offer - figures well beyond what the NRL salary cap can accommodate.
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Zara Tindall shows off trim physique as she she cosies up to husband Mike in 'unforgettable' trip to Australia
Zara Tindall showed off her trim physique as she cosied up to her husband Mike on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef this week. The daughter of Princess Anne, 44, and Mike Tindall, 46, have spent a few days on Hamilton Island in Queensland, Australia, where they headed out to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for the first time. In a photograph from the 'unforgettable' trip, Zara showed off her svelte figure in a basic white tank top and linen cream shorts. She completed her outfit with a casual cap to shade her face from the sun, and accessorised with a thin, dark brown belt. Meanwhile, former rugby union player Mike opted for a pair of bold, light pink shorts with a postcard pattern, paired with a simple white Byron Bay T-shirt. He too wore a baseball cap - but in a bright orange and black design. Sharing a selection of images from their trip to Hamilton Island, Mike said: 'We had the chance to spend a few days on Hamilton Island this week - despite all the times we have been to Australia we have never been here before and it's been amazing. 'It's our first time being out on the water in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park too and it really was unreal, Queensland definitely has it all. 'Made some incredible memories. 'What an unforgettable way to spend some down time.' It comes after Zara and Mike attended the 2025 State of Origin decider in Australia, where the mother-of-three previously dubbed her 'home away from home'. Former rugby union player Mike shared a glimpse of the fun at Sydney 's Accor Stadium on Instagram last Saturday, marvelling over the rugby game's 'incredible atmosphere' that saw Queensland 's victory over New South Wales. Princess Anne 's daughter looked radiant in the sweet selfie shared by her husband, and she ditched her usual formal clothes for casual attire, including a rugby merchandise scarf. While Zara's family members have been enjoying a spot of tennis in London 's balmy temperatures at Wimbledon, she wrapped up warm in a jumper and scarf to protect herself against Sydney's winter chill. After being spotted cheering on from the sidelines by Australian TV channel Nine, Mike, dressed in jeans and a black jacket, and Zara posed on the pitch after the game on Wednesday. Mike and Zara, who are parents to their three children, Mia, Lena, and Lucas, attended the event as guests of Maroons coach Billy Slater's wife, Nicole Slater. The pair are understood to be good friends with Maroons boss Slater, after they crossed paths at a polo event in Queensland back in January 2024. Slater teamed up with Mike and Australian polo star, Ruki Ballieau, for the celebrity polo match at the Magic Millions Showjumping and Polo Day last year.
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Zara Tindall soaks up the sun with her husband Mike at Hamilton Island in Queensland: 'What an unforgettable way to spend some down time'
Zara Tindall and her husband Mike are soaking up the Queensland sunshine, enjoying a rare break from their busy schedules during a stunning getaway at Hamilton Island. The former England rugby star, 46, shared a series of scenic photos to social media on Friday, showing himself and Zara, 44, aboard a luxury yacht as they cruised through the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. 'We had the chance to spend a few days on Hamilton Island this week – despite all the times we have been to Australia, we have never been here before and it's been amazing,' Mike wrote in the heartfelt caption. 'It's our first time being out on the water in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park too and it really was unreal. Queensland definitely has it all. Made some incredible memories. What an unforgettable way to spend some downtime.' He added hashtags including #familytime and #memories, tagging both @queensland and @hamiltonisland. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The couple, dressed casually in white tees and shorts, beamed in one photo taken on the deck of their vessel, with the ocean stretching out behind them. In another snap, beachgoers are seen enjoying the balmy Queensland weather under clear blue skies as the pair relaxed off-camera. It marks another cherished chapter in the Tindalls' long-running love affair with Australia. The royal duo – who have been married since 2011 – are regular visitors to the country, travelling Down Under nearly every year for the Magic Millions equestrian carnival on the Gold Coast. Zara, daughter of Princess Anne and niece to King Charles, is an accomplished equestrian and Olympic silver medallist. She's also a long-time ambassador for Magic Millions, a high-profile role she's held since 2012. Speaking previously, Zara said the country feels like her 'home away from home'. 'We have always loved Australia, and it is like a home from home for us... although the Magic Millions carnival is busy... we couldn't ask for a better way to start the year,' she said. Zara previously confirmed she and her family holidayed in Australia previously, and that they adore the lifestyle. Speaking to Hello! magazine, Zara once admitted she'd consider moving Down Under if the timing were right: 'Probably not while I'm still competing… but after that… yes, I think if an opportunity came up we'd definitely think about it.' Mike added: 'Early January is bleak over here [in the UK] so it's nice to go and have a bit of sun. I love the lifestyle of Australia and the ability to get up early, go on the beach – especially for the kids. 'It's not a rushed lifestyle. I think it's a great place and we enjoy it so much.' The pair famously met in Sydney in 2003 at the Wharf Bar in Manly while Zara was on a gap year and Mike was recovering from being cut from the World Cup squad. They were introduced by Prince Harry and soon hit it off. The pair married in 2011 and the couple have visited Australia almost every year since, only taking a break between 2020 and 2021 during the Covid-19 lockdowns. They share three children, Mia Grace, 10, Lucas, three, and Lena Elizabeth, six.
