PRINCESS Kate today revealed she was “worried” about her injured finger as she joined a wheelchair rugby training session.
Sporty Kate, patron of the Rugby Football League, made a solo visit to Allam Sports Centre in Hull to raise awareness of disability sports.
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The future Queen joined members of England’s World Cup-winning wheelchair rugby league squad for a training session.
Kate donned a Oxen sportswear polo shirt and matching tracksuit bottoms as she sat in a wheelchair and tried her hand at the sport.
She again wore strapping on her right hand after the painful-looking hand injury was revealed during a tour of HMP High Down in Surrey.
Speaking as she headed onto the court, the Princess said: “I’m worried about my finger, but willing to try.”
But she refused to let the recent trampolining injury affect her – after vowing: “I’m going to get stuck in.”
The Royal, who is notoriously competitive, wore a bandage across her index and middle finger as a “precaution”.
And she showed no fear after being quickly shown the ropes and wheeling straight into the thick of it.
England’s aces were left open mouthed as she whizzed up and down the court.
And they applauded and cheered after she scored in the corner – before adding a conversion to boot.
The visit is part of Rugby League Inclusivity Day and saw the 41-year-old chat with players and their families.
She also learned about how the game has been adapted for players with physical disabilities who want to access a running version of the sport.
England’s victorious coach Tom Coyd, 28, said: “She took to maneuvering the chair really quickly.
“I’m not just saying this because it’s her, but it’s the first time I’ve ever seen anyone score a conversion at their first attempt.
“I think she’s been having secret practice sessions before coming here because she was a natural.
“She even finished off a passing move with a try in the corner. She blew me away to be honest.”
Wheelchair Rugby League is currently the most inclusive format across Rugby League, providing the opportunity for all to play together regardless of gender or disability.
England’s Wheelchair Rugby League team were crowned World Champions last November.
England hosted the World Cup and beat their old rivals and reigning champions France 28-24 in a closely fought final.
At the time Kate, William and their three children had watched the final on television – and youngest son Prince Louis is a keen rugby player.
In January, Kate hosted a reception for the team at Hampton Court Palace.
Today’s event was hosted by the Rugby Football League, Hull FC and the the University of Hull and staged at the university’s Allam Sport Centre.
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.
The teams were joined by students from Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence as they learn about and experience the different forms of disability rugby league.
It comes after Kate yesterday made an unannounced visit to a centre for Ukrainian refugees, in Bracknell, Berkshire.
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