Blues’ Calendar Boys

Female rugby fans will be in for a very merry Christmas this year when Bedford Blues release their new calendar.

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One lucky lady even got to sit in on Friday’s official photo shoot after she won a competition which was arranged by website Rugby For The Girls (RFTG).

Landlady of the Cricketers Arms, Stephanie Law, won the chance to ‘help out’ at the Goldington Road ground after she correctly answered that James Pritchard played international rugby for Canada.

Stephanie and her friend Alison were on hand to help towel down any players who got a bit sweaty while the snaps were being taken.

Stephanie said: “I only entered the competition for a bit of a giggle as we sponsor Brendan Burke and we like to show our support for the club.

“The photo shoot is a bit more than just action shots. I mean it really is a case of wow! I was very happy to see any of the players who was happy to take their top off.

“I’ve really enjoyed spending the day with the squad in the gym, changing room, bar and around the pitch. Hopefully the calendar will promote the club and get more people down here.”

Calendar organiser and Blues player James Pritchard said: “I got involved with RFTG a couple of years ago when I was at Northampton Saints and I’ve stayed in touch with them since.

“The whole idea is to get more females involved with rugby – not dumbing it down at all – but getting the girls of Bedfordshire to see what they are missing out on.

“We are doing this for a good cause and money raised will go to the Brain and Spine foundation.

Last year James Hinkins raised money for the charity after his brother-in-law was in a bad accident and the foundation did a lot for him so we wanted to carry that on.”

RFTG representative Jill Tipping said: “The Blues asked us if we wanted to come along for the photo shoot and of course we said yes. Visitors to our website say that Bedford have some of the most attractive players and we will soon have a web page just for the Blues.

“We want to see more women coming along to rugby matches and taking their little ones along to mini games. I expect the pictures will be going online this week at www.rftg.co.uk.”