Gloucester release ‘naked’ rugby calendar in aid of community charity

"We wanted to make a big splash."

This Gloucester rugby calendar should go down a treat with fans of the club, and anyone that is a fan of suggested photography using props! Gloucester rugby has taken the plunge this Valentine’s Day, by going the full monty in aid of a charity calendar. Inspired by the Calendar Girls movie, Gloucester challenged their senior squad to strip off for a raunchy, rugby version of their own. Teaming up with their main club partner, BiGDUG, the squad, who are currently third in the league, were keen to do something bold to raise money for the Gloucester Rugby Foundation. The charity aims to engage, educate and inspire the local community to bring about positive social impact and new opportunities through sport. The calendar, which fittingly begins today [February 14], runs through 13 months, instead of a traditional 12. The photoshoot used a combination of props such as desk chairs, shelving and ladders and, of course, rugby balls. Gloucester captain Lewis Ludlow says:

"We spend a lot of time working with our community to help make positive changes to the lives of youngsters in the area, but it all costs money. "We wanted to make a big splash so we can help even more people, and someone came up with the idea of a calendar. The players were all well up for it, and it was actually pretty funny shooting it on the day!"

Gloucester rugby calendar a 'way of giving back to the community'

Gloucester players such as Ludlow, Billy Twelvetrees and Scotland outhalf Adam Hastings all feature in the calendar, with the fireworks and lineout training drills being two of the stand-out months. Alex Brown, chief operating officer at Gloucester Rugby, is hoping the calendar is a big hit in the community, and with the wider rugby fan-base. "It has been fantastic to see the team so prepared to partake in this ‘alternative’ but fun way of raising awareness and donations for this important cause," he says. "It is their way of giving back to the community." The calendars have been produced and donated by BiGDUG and are available to purchase online for £10.99 (£4.99 with £6 delivery) at BiGDUG.co.uk  with 100% of the proceeds going to the Gloucester Rugby Foundation.

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