Zara's sporting relationship

Feb 21, 2007, 13:50 GMT

Britain's Zara Phillips says her relationship with rugby player Mike Tindall works because they both understand the pressures of being a sports star.

The equestrian champion, 25, revealed her 28-year-old boyfriend - who plays rugby for England and Gloucester - is always on hand to help her through difficult times in her career.

She told Britain's Guardian newspaper: "He's the most laid-back person in the world to have around. We understand what sport throws at you. I understand when he's injured what he feels like and he understands.

"When I met him my horse Toytown was injured and it was the worst possible time. He's always there for me to say 'what do you think?' It's not that you know so much about the sport, it's just an opinion that you trust. If sometimes he gets frustrated about rugby, I think I'd always understand."

The royal - who was named as the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year in December - also spoke about her relationship with the other male in her life, her horse Toytown.

The pair claimed individual eventing gold at both the World Equestrian Games and European Eventing Championships last year.

She added: "What makes performing special is the relationship I have with him. I trust him, he trusts me, hopefully it works when we need it to.

"I love it. It's the best thing. It's like relationships with people. The horses are all characters, all personalities. Some you get along with, some you don't, some might take a bit longer."

(C) BANG Media International