The Princess of Wales will attend England’s World Cup double-header at the DW Stadium in Wigan on Saturday.
England's afternoon starts with the women's team's second group game against Canada (12pm GMT) followed by the men’s quarter-final clash with Papua New Guinea (2:30pm GMT).
READ MORE:
The DW Stadium is likely to see a sell-out crowd as the tournament begins to step up.
Catherine, The Princess of Wales, was named the Rugby Football League’s new patron in February, taking over the role from the Duke of Sussex who famously administered the World Cup draw at Buckingham Palace two years ago.
She was given the royal patronage by the late Queen Elizabeth II and also took the role as patron of the Rugby Football Union.
The Princess will arrive for the men’s game against Papua New Guinea and she will meet the women’s team at half-time.
RFL chair Simon Johnson said: "We will be delighted and honoured to welcome the Princess of Wales for the first time as royal patron.
“With both our England teams playing important World Cup matches on Saturday, her presence will enhance a special occasion for our sport, for the World Cup and for the famous rugby league town of Wigan."
Chris Brindley, Chair of RLWC2021, added: “In being the biggest, best and most inclusive tournament in the sport’s 127-year history, it is an honour and a privilege to be able to host the Princess of Wales at a Rugby League World Cup 2021 match day and we look forward to our competing nations putting on a show to remember.”
The Princess will become the first Royal to formally attend a rugby league match since the Duke of Sussex, who witnessed the 2019 Challenge Cup final. It is going to be a huge boost to the tournament and the sport.
England’s men’s team head into Saturday’s last eight clash with Papua New Guinea full of form having won all three of their group matches with an impressive points difference of 168.
