1
Prince Harry breaks official ties with Rugby Football Union
By PA
The Duke of Sussex has relinquished his roles as a patron of the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League.
The announcements come after Harry and wife Meghan confirmed they will not be returning as working members of the royal family.
Harry, a passionate rugby fan who celebrated with England when they won the rugby union World Cup in 2003, has acted as an RFU patron since 2016.
“We would like to thank Prince Harry for his time and commitment to the Rugby Football Union both in his position as patron and vice patron,” an RFU statement read.
“The RFU has greatly valued his contribution to promoting and supporting the game.
“We look forward to welcoming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex back to Twickenham at some point in the future.”
Harry became a patron of the RFL in 2017 and conducted the draw for the 2021 World Cup in the 13-man code.
The RFL tweeted: “The Rugby Football League thanks the Duke of Sussex for his time, care and commitment in supporting rugby league at all levels in recent years – from the children’s game to the Challenge Cup, the England teams and RLWC2021.”
Through a spokesman, Harry and Meghan said that they remained committed to service.
"We can all live a life of service. Service is universal, the spokesman said.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role."
Harry, 36, and Meghan, 39, moved with their son Archie to Southern California to live a more independent life and escape the British media. They announced on Sunday that they were expecting their second child.
Harry is the second son of Prince Charles, heir to the throne, and his first wife Diana, who died in a Paris car crash in 1997 while being chased by paparazzi.
additional reporting AAP
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Scottish Rugby set for huge Duhan van der Merwe shaped boost
3
World Player of the Year was only a two horse race
4
The full list of 2024 World Rugby Awards winners
5
Latest Comments
I wonder how Leinster will use Jordie. I would rate the current centres there above him, and the rest of the backline is strong. Pity he did not go out to Connacht, or up to Ulster....both would really benefit from a player of his class.
Go to commentsI am saddened that this is how Brendan Mullin has ended up. I met him in the 70's as a 16 year old , when attending a trial for an Irish Schools age group sevens team. I was coaching in Ulster at the time, and we had a player in contention.
On the way back up to Belfast, he was on the train for part of the way out of Dublin, and I got to know him a bit. He told me was born in Jerusalem, lived some years there. He was now being educated at the rugby powerhouse, Blackrock College. He made that team, as did my player. His immense talent was clear at that age.
Go to comments