Rugby players tackle embarrassment to produce nude calendar

JUST how do you explain to the police why you are in a field with a dozen or so naked men?

Ask photographer Maddy Rogers.

For she had to do just that when police turned up to a photo shoot for a charity calendar.

Maddy explained how a little Dutch courage had helped Grimsby Rugby Club lads’ modelling technique on the day of the shoot – but not before they attracted a little unwanted attention from the police.

“I had to explain to them why there was a bunch of nude men in a field,” she said.

These players pose for the month of July.

“They said they’d had complaints from people living in the houses across the road.”

Now you can find out just what caused a stir with the neighbours as the nude calendar hits the shelves.

Mr January, Mr March and Mr June joined the other 14 brave lads at a launch event at the Springfield Road club, when the shots were unveiled for the first time.

One of the images from the calendar.

The calendar is the brainchild of club sports therapist Jennie Dyas and Maddy, with proceeds being split between St Andrew’s Hospice, Grimsby, and The Spire Trust, which supports seriously injured non-professional rugby players.

As the first run of 500 copies went on sale, models Mike Newsham (27) and Joe Davis (22) explained why they got involved.

“There was free alcohol and two women asking me to take my clothes off, I wasn’t going to turn that down!” said Joe.

Flanker Mike added: “I was just told to turn up on the Sunday and take my kit off. It’s not something we normally do – at least, not in front of the cameras anyway.”

Not wanting to be outdone, the ladies join in aswell.

The calendar, priced £10, is now available from Grimsby Rugby Club, all St Andrew’s Hospice outlets, Ebay and anywhere displaying a poster. It can also be purchased from Maddy’s website, www.maddyzangles.co.uk