Wales international Jodie-Boyd Ward mixed with royalty today as she helped introduce the Princess of Wales to Wheelchair Rugby League.

It was all part of a celebration of inclusivity in Rugby League staged at the University of Hull today.

Her Royal Highness made an impressive Wheelchair Rugby League debut, under the expert guidance of Boyd-Ward, plus England coach Tom Coyd MBE and Hull FC player-coach Mike Swainger, before taking part in separate sessions with Hull FC’s Physical Disability and Learning Disability teams, and finally with a group of boys, girls, men and women from the club’s Centre of Excellence.

Boyd-Ward, who is set to captain Leeds Rhinos in the forthcoming Betfred Super League Grand Final, said: “I was honoured to have been asked to be Wales Rugby League’s representative to meet Kate.

“It’s not very often these opportunities come about. She got stuck in and seemed to really enjoy it too. She was a natural in a chair from the get go.

“It was a really good event, there was a good mix of players there and I think she’ll go away knowing just how inclusive the sport of rugby league really is.”

The Betfred Wheelchair Super League season reaches its climax with the Grand Final at the Manchester Basketball Centre on Sunday week, with Leeds Rhinos facing the winners of this Sunday’s semi final between London Roosters and Wigan Warriors at the University of East London Sports Dock.