Olympic equestrian Zara Tindall, 38, and former England rugby player Mike Tindall, 41, first met during the Australia Rugby World Cup in 2003. More than a decade later, now as husband and wife, the royal couple both attended the Rugby World Cup final in Japan. Rugby pundit Mike had been stationed in Japan for several weeks before Zara joined him.

Mike worked as a rugby commentator throughout the World Cup and appeared on several podcasts including James Haskell’s House of Rugby show.

The former English rugby union player is a close pal of Mike’s and the pair spent a lot of time in Japan together.

But despite being far from home, his wife and two daughters were always on his mind.

Mike revealed the sweet way he keeps Zara close to him even when they are apart during one of Mr Haskell’s Diary of Japan video blogs.

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In the footage, Mike goes to check the time on his phone which shows his screensaver is an adorable picture of Zara and his eldest daughter Mia, five, nestled next to him.

The sweet photo is a clear sign wherever Mike is in the world his wife and children are always on his mind.

In an episode of Mr Haskell’s House of Rugby podcast Mike also let slip the unexpected nickname he has for wife Zara.

The petname came out after Mike was asked to play a game of “Would you Rather?” on the show.

Podcast host Alex Payne cheekily tried to make Mike choose between marrying Zara or winning the world cup when he put one tricky question to him.

Mr Payne asked Mike if he would rather marry a member of the royal family or win the Rugby World Cup and Mike’s response was very tactful.

Mike said: “Well I’ve technically done both but hang on, will it be my wife that I’m marrying?”

Mr Payne, who is clearly on good terms with the Tindalls revealed Zara’s nickname when he responded.

He said: “Yes, would you rather marry Zoey or win the World Cup?”

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Mike replied referring to Zara as “Zoey” and saying there was no question as to which option he would choose.

He said: “Could we take Zoey out of it? Because obviously if it’s my wife I would marry my wife.”

Mike and “Zoey” weren’t the only royal to attend the World Cup final last weekend.

As patron of the RFU Prince Harry, 35, pitched up to the game and was pictured gracefully congratulating the South African team following England’s crushing defeat.

His wife Meghan Markle, 38, remained at home in Windsor with their six-month-old son Archie Harrison.

Ahead of the game Meghan revealed Archie would show his support for England in his own special way.

She told Telegraph journalist Bryony Gordon that Archie would don an England baby grow especially for the match.

Ms Gordon reported that Meghan Markle smiled and said: “Go England!”

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