MIKE Tindall married the late Queen’s granddaughter in 2004 while he was still an elite professional sportsman.
He wed Zara Phillips after meeting her at an Aussie bar while he was playing in the 2003 Rugby World Cup — here’s everything you need to know about the royal’s rugby career.
Mike joined Bath rugby team straight after he left school at the age of 18.
He then made his England debut when he was 20, and even scored a try during his first appearance for the national side.
In 2015, Mike told the Guardian: “I was very cheeky. And by the time I was doing A-levels I was playing for England schoolboys, which was a bit of a distraction.
“My brother managed to play rugby and be really academic as well.”
Mike played in the position of outside centre.
The outside centre is a powerful player, quick runner and a member of the backs.
They’re responsible for breaking through defensive lines and providing space for players outside of themselves.
Mike was a member of the England team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
No way would I change anything or feel sad about anything
Mike Tindall
The same year they also lifted the Six Nations.
Speaking about winning the World Cup, Mike told the Guardian: “The World Cup was amazing, but we had expected to win it.
“For me the peak excitement was around 2000, when we beat South Africa away and then the big three at home.
“That was when this belief came into the squad that we could be part of something special.”
Mike played rugby union professionally from 1997 until 2014.
He won 75 caps for England between 2000 and 2011 and captained his country seven times throughout his career.
Announcing his retirement, Mike told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It wasn’t a hard decision in the end. It was a case of staying another year at Gloucester or retiring.
“I didn’t want to go and play at another club so it was an easy decision.
“No way would I change anything or feel sad about anything.”
Mike retired in 2014 and has since been playing for and coaching amateur club, Minchinhampton RFC.
The club is conveniently located for the royal, who lives with his family in Gatcombe Park estate near Minchinhampton.
Mike also shares his passion for rugby by co-hosting his weekly podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with fellow England legend James Haskell and broadcaster Alex Payne.
Princess Anne turned down the Queen’s offer of giving Zara a royal title after she was born, and equestrian-loving Zara said she felt “lucky” the decision was made.
Zara went to Beaudesert Park School in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Port Regis School in Dorset and then at Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland.
She qualified as a physiotherapist at Exeter University.
Zara is also an accomplished equestrian and Olympic silver medallist.
