RUGBY players are more used to showing off their skills in their kit than in the buff.
But the women of Oxford University Rugby Football Club took the plunge to strip for a naked calendar.
The ladies team hope by baring all they can highlight the importance of positive body image and raise money for Beat – which supports those affected by eating disorders.
Club captain Carly Bliss said: "The calendar shoot was fun for the whole squad. Not only was it a great team building exercise, but knowing we were raising money for our club and for such an amazing charity spurred us all on to brave the chilly October afternoon.
"The shoot did take some time as we wanted the photographs to be technically accurate from a rugby point of view."
The squad teamed up together to strip off on the pitch and pose in typical rugby positions.
One picture shows the girls arm in arm in true “team bonding” style lined up for a cheeky group shot. The rugby ladies hope the calendar will also promote female athleticism.
It comes ahead of the annual varsity match in December played by the Blues 1st Team and Panthers development squad against their Cambridge counterparts. The Blues varsity match will be played for the first time at Twickenham Stadium.
Club president Helen Lamb said: “Despite the weather we all had a great day doing the shoot.
“The team really bonded and got behind the calendar and the aims of the charity, Beat. The majority of the team had never considered doing a naked calendar before but it was obvious that everyone was really keen to give it a go.”
One pound from each calendar sold will be given to Beat to help promote positive body image and support their cause to help those with eating disorders.
Ms Lamb added: “The message Beat promotes really fits with the positive body image and confidence that we promote at OURFC Women.
"We have not used Photoshop in the calendar to enhance the girls’ bodies aesthetically, to emphasise that these are real rugby players who simply enjoy playing the game.”
The calendar costs £10 for those at Oxford University and £12 for orders within the UK.
Order at ourfcwomensnakedcalendar.com or for more information contact ourfcwomen@googlemail.com
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