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Former England international Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips are expecting their first child © Getty Images

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Gloucester centre Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips, the Queen's grand-daughter, have announced they are expecting their first child and the news has been greeted as you may expect by some of his rugby friends.

The ex-England international, who recently lined up for the Barbarians against the Lions in Hong Kong, and his wife are due to welcome their new addition in the New Year and they will not be short of names...

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall expecting first baby in New Year http://t.co/7Nen5LAP7V pic.twitter.com/z4EGdQTFrc

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) July 8, 2013

Massive congratulations to @miketindall13 and Zara Phillips, who are expecting their first child in the new year. Wonderful news.

— Official RFU (@Official_RFU) July 8, 2013

Feeling pretty chuffed. Spoke to @miketindall13 and they'll call the kid Dave - male or female.

— David Flatman (@davidflatman) July 8, 2013

@miketindall13 congrats mate on baby james. Amazing news for u and z

— james haskell (@jameshaskell) July 8, 2013

Just heard the news @miketindall13. Many congrats to you and Zara. If it's a boy Ian is a nice name. Up to you guys.

— Ian Stafford (@IanStaffs) July 8, 2013

We also liked this...

Awwww a baby Tindall.. I hope it gets Zara's nose!

— KB x (@xkatybowlingx) July 8, 2013