Mike Tindall to play in rugby match 11 years after retirement

Mike Tindall is set to make a return to rugby 11 years after he announced his retirement from the sport in 2014. The 46-year-old, who has been married to Zara Tindall since 2011, was a member of the England squad which won the 2003 World Cup.

Taking to Instagram, @the_745game shared the news of Mike's return, alongside an old picture of him dressed in his sporting attire. The post read: "@mike_tindall12 joins the 745 Game [double-! emoji] World Cup Winner. Gloucester legend. Rugby royalty [gold-crown emoji]."

The exciting post revealed that his return is all in the name of charity, adding: "A fierce competitor who gave everything for club and country. Now he's back brining the same determination to unite the rugby world against MND [red-heart emoji]."

It concluded with: "Welcome to The 745 Game Mike [gold-punch emoji]."

The post also revealed that Mike's return will take place on November 9 at Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester.

Fans appeared excited, with one fan commenting: "Go on lad [hands-up emoji]."

Another added: "OMG [heart-eyed emoji]", whilst another simply added four clapping-hands emojis.

Mike has previously stated that he does not miss playing professional rugby and is happy with his decision to retire after a 17-year career.

He shared how he felt lucky to stay at the top level for so long, particularly given the high rate of injury in the sport.

Although he has permanently stepped away from the game, Mike co-hosts a podcast titled, "The Good, The Bad & The Rugby", with James Haskell and Alex Payne.