Rugby players strip for charity

Sheffield Vulcans RUFC will feature in The Naked Rugby Players Calendar 2019, in support of of ‘Balls to Cancer’ - a charity aiming to increase awareness and provide information for men to check themselves for symptoms of testicluar cancer.

Nine Sheffield players stripped off this month for the naked photoshoot, which took four hours and was inspired be renaissance art, and featured scenes such as ‘the creation of Adam,’ incorporating rugby balls and equipment.

Photographer Monty McKinnen said, “I have so much admiration for these guys who bared all for charity. 200,000 men are diagnosed with cancer every year, and 80,000 of those will die from their cancer.

“It’s time we got to grips and get a handle on the situation. I hope this calendar empowers guys to check their packages more often and to feel comfortable talking about male cancers.”

Sheffield Vulcans RUFC launched in August 2017 and exists to enable players, regardless of gender, sexuality or ability, to learn and enjoy playing rugby in a welcoming environment with zero tolerance to homophobia and bigotry.

Named after the Roman god of Fire and Metalwork, the Sheffield Vulcans are the 13th active, inclusive rugby club in England and proud members of the LGBT sporting body known as International Gay Rugby, which has over 90 member rugby clubs worldwide.

In the seven months since forming as a club, Sheffield Vulcans have 15 regular players and have played and won matches. Many players had never played rugby before joining in training.