Princess Kate impresses England wheelchair rugby squad in Hull visit

The princess sat in a wheelchair and tried her hand at the sport during an event staged in Hull

The Princess of Wales impressed members of England's World Cup-winning wheelchair rugby league squad as she scored in a practice session during a visit to Hull.

Kate sat in a wheelchair and tried her hand at the sport as part of her role as patron of the Rugby Football League.

Her skills were lauded by England's head coach Tom Coyd, who called her "a natural".

England won the world title in November last year by beating France 28-24.

Thursday's practice session was hosted by the Rugby Football League, Hull FC and the University of Hull.

The day was hosted by the Rugby Football League, Hull FC and the University of Hull

The inclusivity day saw members of Hull FC's wheelchair, physical disability and learning disability rugby league teams taking part in training skills sessions and friendly matches.

Kate arrived at the sports hall wearing a polo-style shirt, tracksuit bottoms and trainers and declared: "I've come in sportswear to get stuck in."

The royal raised her arms in celebration and laughed after she punted the ball over the bar to score a conversion, which Mr Coyd said was a tricky feat for a novice.

He added: "I think she's been having secret practice sessions before coming here, because she's a natural.

"She even finished a passing move with a try in the corner. She blew me away to be honest."

The future Queen, who wore strapping on her right hand after a trampoline accident a few weeks ago, was applauded and and cheered by watching internationals and club players as she blasted the ball between the posts.

The rugby players were also joined by students from Hull FC's Centre of Excellence as they learned about and experienced the different forms of disability rugby league.

The princess congratulates a player during the event

The princess chatted to players during the event at the university's Allam Sport Centre

The achievements of the England team helped to elevate the profile of the sport, which allows players, regardless of gender or disability, to compete together.

The princess celebrated their success by inviting the squad to Hampton Court Palace for a reception in January, and said at the time she, William and their three children had watched the final on television.

Youngest son Prince Louis was said to be a keen rugby player.

Mr Coyd, 28, said: "It's an amazing spectator sport, it covers all bases really, you've got the inclusivity, it's the only sport in the world where at the top level you can have disabled and non-disabled players playing together.

"Kate herself said the collisions that came through the TV, when they were watching it, was what hooked the kids in."