Mike Tindall MBE

Mike Tindall’s love of rugby comes as no surprise. Tindall’s career began in 1997, when he joined Bath at the age of 18 – quickly establishing himself as a first-team regular. In 2000, he earned his first national team call up, making a winning debut against Ireland at Twickenham Stadium. Mike featured in all but one match in the historic 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, and it was the evening of the final in Sydney, that Tindall met his future bride Zara Phillips – the Queen’s granddaughter and a World champion equestrian.

Passionate about horses himself, Tindall soon bought his own steeplechaser at a charity auction event. It proved to be a sound investment, as Mike and Zara’s Midas touch saw the horse, Monbeg Dude, romp to success in the Welsh Grand National and then finish third in the Grand National.

Renowned as one of the most consistent top-level performers of his generation, it was these achievements, along with his overall contribution to his sport, that saw Mike awarded the MBE in 2007. Also, a noted racehorse owner, he now brings his sizeable sporting knowledge to the table in The Green Room.