Royals expected in NZ box at RWC

Princes Harry and William and Duchess Kate could be set to watch the Rugby World Cup final from the New Zealand box at Twickenham.

New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Tew has hinted as much in a radio interview ahead of the final between Australia and the All Blacks in London on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

"There's a couple of things you are not allowed to talk about in the lead-up to a Rugby World Cup final and one of them is 'how many royals are in your box?', and I know the answer to that question (but) if I tell you I'll have to shoot you," Tew told Newstalk ZB.

He was then asked if New Zealand would prefer William and Kate over rugby-mad Harry.

"Without wanting to take your life early... we might end up with both of them," he replied.

"I'm just speculating. We had Grandad (Prince Philip) there last week."

Prince Harry, the patron of English rugby, will present the trophy to the winning team.