Prince Harry's appointment as patron of the Rugby Football League has been praised.

Prince Harry

Prince Harry

The 32-year-old royal replaces his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth in the role, and members of the RFL are thrilled with Harry's new role.

Group Chairman and Member of Parliament for Leeds North West MP, Greg Mulholland said: "The Group is delighted at the appointment of His Royal Highness as the new patron of the Rugby Football League.

"Prince Harry is a huge fan of sport, and of rugby in particular, and I hope that that he will rekindle the Royal Family's involvement in Rugby League.

"Rugby league is a fantastic sport and one that is embedded in local communities, where it is of huge importance to people, and it is also a sport played in towns and cities across the country. I hope that the Rugby League authorities will be able to work closely with Prince Harry to encourage more young people to play the game, get active and stay healthy.

"I also look forward to once again seeing the Challenge Cup presented at Wembley Stadium by a member of The Royal Family."

Harry will also become the new patron of the Rugby Football Union, while his brother Prince William is set to take over responsibility for the Welsh Rugby Union.

WRU president Dennis Gethin said: "We thank Her Majesty the Queen for her support over the years.

"We are delighted that the Duke of Cambridge will take over from his grandmother as patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.

"Since becoming vice patron in 2007, His Royal Highness has been a great ambassador, not only for the Welsh Rugby Union, but for young people and for sport generally.

"He makes a great difference to everyone he meets on his regular visits to Wales and to Principality Stadium, interacting with all kinds of individuals and groups including players past and present, volunteers, apprentices, veterans and staff."

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