HARPER ADAMS BOYS BARE ALL FOR CANADA

Posted 18 December 2001

THE RUGBY CLUB at Harper Adams University College, in Shropshire, has caused quite a rumpus on campus by taking all their kit off to model for a 2002 Calendar.

This playful stunt is all in aid of a special fund to help take a 35-man tour party of current and former students on a rugby tour to Canada, next summer.

Colin Lucas, now nick-named 'Nobby,' is one of the aspiring male models whose talents are revealed in the calendar pictures. "Perhaps December isn't the best month to choose for this kind of activity," said Colin, "but the lads are all determined to make this tour into a huge success and the money will allow us to make it all happen."

The calendars have certainly proven to be a great success. More than half of the original print run was sold during the first day of sales.

Harper Adams Principal, Professor Wynne Jones, was one of those invited to model for the calendar by the cheeky lads. "Unfortunately, I had to decline the offer," he said. "After all I'm really keen that the lads have this tour and I don't want to ruin their sales."

The 35-man tour party aims to leave Harper Adams at the end of the summer term for a two-week stint in Canada where, as well as playing four games of rugby, they will be able to enjoy spectacular scenery and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer.

A warm welcome is anticipated for them in Canada as one member of the tour party will be the aspiring Under-21 Canadian International, Ryan Georgison.

The squad's first match will be against Ryan's home side 'The Sturgeon Creek Rowdies' from Manitoba. The game promises to be a close encounter - provided that the Harper lads can be encouraged to keep their kit on, this time!