"Hates them" - England centre Mike Tindall explains his medals

Wednesday, 06 May 2026 at 13:04

byRugby Rucker

Mike Tindall, a former professional rugby player and member of the royal family, has received three medals since marrying Zara in 2011.

The first of these, an MBE, was awarded to him in December 2003 in recognition of his services to rugby, following his role in England’s Rugby World Cup victory in Australia.

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The other two medals were awarded to him for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond and Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

According to reports, he is expected to wear all three medals during King Charles' coronation.

In response to public criticism after wearing the medals to The Queen's funeral, Tindall spoke about his dislike for wearing them on his podcast, 'The Good, The Bad & The Rugby', which he hosts with fellow former rugby player James Haskell and Alex Payne.

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He stated, "It has been an interesting one. We’ve had this discussion on the fact that I hate wearing them anyway.

"I think you would be the same because you class medals as a military honour. Any serviceman, I am deeply appreciative of your service, and I have not served anywhere and actually haven’t done anything to achieve those medals apart from being in the family."

Tindall went on to explain why he was awarded the medals, saying: "So the jubilee medals, obviously I got married in 2011, so 2012 was the diamond jubilee, and you get a medal if you’re part of the family. The people who work in her household get a medal, and if you’ve been serving in the armed forces for five years and you’re actively in service, you get one too.

"So it’s harder for people in the military to actually get a jubilee medal unless they served for a long time. There’s been a lot more as you get a lot more celebrations later in life, so 50, 60, 70, that’s where I got one, and the other one was my MBE."

Johnny Sexton and his wife are among rugby union’s five richest couples

Here’s a look at the top rugby couples whose bonds—and bank accounts—have made them iconic.

Johnny & Laura Sexton – The Dublin Dream Team (£6m)

From teenage sweethearts to one of rugby’s wealthiest pairs, Johnny and Laura Sexton have captured fans’ hearts as much as Johnny’s kicks have clinched games. Their love story began at Rathgar Tennis Club, blossoming all the way to marriage in 2013.

With three kids cheering on dad from the sidelines, the Sextons are as iconic off the field as Johnny is on it. The couple’s journey—from Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin—stands as a testament to commitment and love.

Siya & Rachel Kolisi – The Power Couple with a Purpose (£10m)

Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s £10 million empire wasn’t just built on rugby; it’s infused with purpose. The Kolisis are widely admired for their philanthropic work, especially through the Kolisi Foundation, which uplifts underprivileged communities.

Although the couple recently parted ways, Rachel remains a key influence in Siya’s life. Now back with the Sharks after a stint in France, Siya continues to value her steadfast support. Despite the split, their legacy as South Africa’s “golden couple” lives on.

Mike & Zara Tindall – Royal Connections and Reality TV (£20m)

“Fridge” by nickname, royalty by association, Mike Tindall’s wealth and fame go beyond rugby. Married to Zara Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter, Tindall has firmly planted himself in British pop culture. From breaking his nose eight times to breaking records in rugby, Mike’s career has been nothing short of resilient.

Since retirement, he’s taken his profile to new heights with appearances on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. His estimated £20 million fortune proves rugby and royalty make quite the combo.

Jonny & Shelley Wilkinson – A Hero’s Quiet Empire (£22m)

Jonny Wilkinson isn’t just a legend on the field; he’s a legend in love too. After leading England to the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, Wilkinson has kept a low profile with his wife, Shelley Jenkins.

They wed in 2013 on the scenic French Riviera, and now with a young son, they’re embracing family life in the quiet lane. Worth £22 million, Jonny’s legacy as one of rugby’s finest is matched by his financial success and family’s privacy.

Sonny Bill & Alana Williams – The Ring, the Romance, and the Riches (£20m)

Sonny Bill Williams, the Kiwi powerhouse, is famed not just for rugby but for his ventures into the boxing ring. Known for his versatility on the field and knockout power off it, he’s carved a unique sports career.

His whirlwind romance with Alana Raffie, culminating in a four-week engagement, sparked as much intrigue as his sporting accomplishments. Now worth £20 million, the couple’s success story includes rugby, league, boxing, and plenty of endorsements.