Knockers off! Women’s rugby team bares all for naked photoshoot to raise money for their club after finances were decimated by lockdown
- Carlisle Cougars posed for a topless lineout, a bottomless huddle, and performed drills for a naked calander
- Vice captain Hannah Farrell said the experiencing was ‘nerve-wracking’ but they were happier without kit
- Playing a supporting role were 14 local businesses, who helped fund a photographer and printing
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A women’s rugby team has stripped off for a naked calendar to raise money for the club after finances were decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Carlisle Cougars posed for a topless lineout, a bottomless huddle, and performed drills wearing nothing but their socks in a series of risque snaps.
Vice captain Hannah Farrell, 26, said the experiencing was ‘nerve-wracking’ but once they got going the players were happier without their kit.
A women’s rugby team has stripped off for a naked calendar to raise money for the club after finances were decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Pictured are the Carlisle Cougars
The Carlisle Cougars posed for a topless lineout, a bottomless huddle, and performed drills wearing nothing but their socks in a series of risque snaps.
‘To be honest, we have joked about doing a naked calendar for years now, but we just never got round to it.
‘We always thought it would be such a laugh, and a great way to raise money for the club, promote women’s rugby and celebrate our strong bodies,’ she explained.
‘After Covid, the club was shut for a long time, so we thought now’s the time to do it, raise money for the club and encourage women to give rugby a try.
‘We’re all very relaxed with each other in the changing rooms every week, but when it came to the photo shoot we were actually all pretty nervous!
Vice captain Hannah Farrell, 26, said the experiencing was ‘nerve-wracking’ but once they got going the players were happier without their kit. The tram are pictured performing drills
Bare bottomed fun! The women’s rugby team has swapped drop goals for dropped shorts, stripping off for a scrum-ptious calendar to promote the sport
Baring it all! The team said they were happy to strip off and had a lot of fun shooting the calendar
‘However, after the first photo was taken we quickly relaxed.
‘We had some prosecco flowing for a bit of Dutch courage too! By the end of the shoot, you couldn’t get our clothes back on us! We were all feeling so empowered, strong and confident.’
Playing a supporting role were 14 local businesses, who helped fund a photographer and printing. Money generated by the calendar will be reinvested in the rugby union side, but that’s only a bonus point for Hannah.
She said: ‘Our goal was to show other women that anyone can play rugby, whatever shape, size or experience.
High five! The team high-five while not wearing any bottoms as they pose for the naked calendar
Up and away! The team swapped drop goals for dropped shorts as posed up a storm today
‘There is always a place on a rugby team for you, whether you can run five or 500 metres. We accept and welcome players, no matter their rugby experience.
‘Our players range from 18 to 40 years old, some are mothers, sisters, wives and aunties.
‘We have players from students to shift workers, and we are understanding and accepting of everyone’s circumstances.
‘Women have a lot on their plate – family and work – so rugby is a space to have to yourself and relieve any tensions, while getting fit too!’
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