Mike Tindall confirms he's coming out of rugby retirement aged 46

Thursday, 16 October 2025 at 15:55

mike tindall back in the game 49 scaled 1

byRugby Rucker

Former England centre Mike Tindall is the latest big name to join the Rugby Union side set to face off against an All-Star Rugby League team in a special charity fixture next month.

The 745 match, which will honour the legacies of Rob Burrow (7), Ed Slater (4) and Doddie Weir (5), takes place at Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium and will be shown live on TNT Sports.

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It promises to be an emotional occasion — both Burrow and Weir sadly lost their battles with MND in 2024 and 2022 respectively, while Slater was forced to retire from Gloucester in 2022 following his own diagnosis.

The rugby family was struck again this month, with news that 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Lewis Moody has also been impacted by the disease.

The Square Mile has been urged to get behind the cause, with City AM on board as media partner and a range of sponsorship packages available to help raise crucial funds towards finding a cure.

"Quite simply, every pound we receive changes lives,” said Matt Strachan of Sakura Sports. “Whether through donations or sponsorship, your support matters.

And with the backing of City AM and live coverage on TNT Sports on November 9th, it’s the perfect opportunity to get involved and make a difference.”

Tindall joins an already star-studded Union lineup featuring Lee Dickson, Billy Twelvetrees, Tom Wood, Joe Marler, Ben Youngs, and Tom Youngs — ensuring a blockbuster event for an incredible cause.

Wealthiest Rugby Couples:

Here’s a look at the top 10 wealthiest rugby couples in 2025, ranked from the humblest fortunes to the largest bank accounts.

10. David Pocock & Emma Palandri – £1.5 million

Former Australian rugby star David Pocock and his wife, Emma Palandri, have diversified their wealth through post-rugby careers. Pocock is now an Australian senator, while Palandri co-founded social enterprise projects focusing on sustainable development.

9. Nigel Owens & Barrie Jones-Davies – £2 million

Nigel Owens, Welsh former rugby referee, is a motivational speaker, commentator, and farmer. Together with his partner, Barrie Jones-Davies, they’ve cultivated a modest fortune built on Owens’ post-rugby ventures.

8. Owen Farrell & Georgie Farrell – £3 million

England captain Owen Farrell and his wife, Georgie Farrell, an events manager, have accumulated a solid fortune through rugby salaries and personal business ventures.

7. Bryan Habana & Janine Viljoen – £8 million

South African rugby legend Bryan Habana and entrepreneur Janine Viljoen have grown their wealth through sports, media appearances, and business initiatives.

From business ventures and endorsements to philanthropy and royal connections, these power couples exemplify success in every arena.

6. Siya & Rachel Kolisi – £10 million

World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi and Rachel Kolisi, co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation, are currently navigating a divorce. Their combined wealth stems from rugby, endorsements, and philanthropic ventures that uplift underprivileged communities.

5. Dan & Honor Carter – £12 million

All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter, three-time World Rugby Player of the Year, and his wife, Honor Carter, former Black Ferns hockey player, have built a fortune through rugby and business ventures.

4. Richie & Gemma McCaw – £15 million

Two-time Rugby World Cup champion Richie McCaw and his wife Gemma McCaw, former Black Sticks hockey player, have amassed wealth through sports, endorsements, and philanthropic work.

3. Jonny Wilkinson & Shelley Jenkins – £20 million

England hero Jonny Wilkinson and his wife Shelley Jenkins have grown their fortune post-retirement through media appearances, business ventures, and strategic endorsements.

2. Sonny Bill & Alana Williams – £22 million

Versatile athlete Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Williams, former model and businesswoman, have diversified wealth from rugby, rugby league, boxing, and endorsements.

1. Mike & Zara Tindall – £25 million

Mike Tindall, former England captain, and Zara Tindall, Olympic equestrian and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, top the list. Mike enjoys a successful media career, while Zara remains active in equestrian sports and business, making them rugby’s wealthiest power couple.