Prince William sends message from 'everyone back home' amid 'rivalry'

Prince William has sent a personal message as a “classic rivalry” unfolds in the sports world.

Ahead of the British and Irish Lions’ milestone tour of Australia, the Prince of Wales — who is a massive sports fan — shared a personal message of support for the team just one day before their first Test match on July 19.

Taking to the official Instagram account of the Prince and Princess of Wales, William, 42, reposted an image of the squad with a note of encouragement.

“Good luck to @britishandirishlions as they take on the Wallabies in the first Test tomorrow,” he wrote in the July 18 Instagram Stories post.

“A classic sporting rivalry and always tough opposition! Everyone back home is cheering you on!” he added.

He signed off the message with his initial, “W,” indicating it was written by the future king personally.

The post featured a lion and football emoji, underscoring William's well-known love of sport.

The British and Irish Lions will take on the Wallabies at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in the first of three Test matches. In total, the tour will include nine games across six cities.

It marks the first Lions tour to the country since 2013.