They show enormous bravery each time they take to the field but the Saints have now demonstrated their greatest sense of derring-do by baring – well, almost – all for a saucy fundraising calendar, writes Anna Murby.
More than a dozen players have stripped off in support of fellow Saintsman Christian Day in his latest venture to raise funds for his chosen charities, Niamh’s Next Step and The Leon Barwell Foundation in his testimonial year.
The black and white calendar – with artily-shot pictures taken by the lock’s official testimonial photographer, redhatphoto.com – features just a touch of colour in the form of the psychedelic pants covering the models’ modesty, courtesy of underwear brand Oddballs.
Among those to undress are back row forwards Courtney Lawes and Teimana Harrison, who take the spot for October, while winger Ken Pisi goes it alone as Mr April!
Meanwhile the front row trio of Mikey Haywood, Jamal Ford-Robinson and Paul Hill find strength in numbers as they proudly pose, pint in hand, for June!
So was it a struggle for Daysy, as Christian is affectionately known, to get his club colleagues to sign up to the idea?: “Not really! The boys work so hard to keep themselves in great shape for their rugby that I reckon they quietly enjoy parading their muscles when they’re given a chance!” explained the man behind the project.
“But the real reason for supporting me in this rather unusual way is because they also want to raise as much money as possible for the charities, while I think it helped that I’m leading by example as the model for February, aided and abetted by my good mate Stephen Myler!” he enthused.
If you would like to spend July with a bare-chested Nic Groom or admire the pecs of Juan Pablo Estelles throughout September, Christian’s limited edition calendar is now on sale priced at £10 via his fundraising website – www.dayt5testimonial.com – alongside his bobble hat, priced at £15, and tickets for the Saints Carol Concert taking place at Franklin’s Gardens on Tuesday 19th December.
The concert, with festive favourites from the Northampton Mail Voice Choir and piano maestro Lincoln Noel as well as communal carols and some surprise special guests, is £10 for adults, £5 for under-16s and free for those under twelve.
For more details on the testimonial events to come or to show your support for Christian through a range of sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.day5testimonial.com
You can also follow the special year on twitter at @Day5Testimonial and on Facebook at facebook.com/Day5Testimonialyear
