Southwell Rugby Club to launch Calendar Girls-style Naked ‘ish Calendar 2025

Rugby players have stripped off to create a naked-ish calendar, which aims to boost morale and raise money for a mental health charity.

After a difficult few seasons for Southwell Rugby Club’s first and second teams, the idea of a Calendar Girls-style calendar was born as a way to get players talking, boost morale and engage with the community.

The Naked ‘ish Calendar 2025 is set to be launched at the end of September, and will feature photos of players around the rugby club’s ground — including images such as grounds keeping and the ‘sexy photo’.

Organiser James Beaumont, also known as Fridge, who plays tight head prop for the seconds presented the idea to the club after it was suggested by his wife Samantha Beaumont.

James said: “We’re not reinventing the wheel when it comes to naked calendars, there’s photos from all around the club with the players and the chairman. No two are the same.

“Initially everyone thought it was full nude, but we’ve called it the Naked ‘ish Calendar. We wanted players to get talking about it, what photos they’re in, and by the end those who were a bit camera shy actually felt they were missing out.

“Anyone can buy this calendar — there’s nothing on show that shouldn’t be.”

A total of 48 players star in the calendar’s photos, with each month sponsored by smaller Southwell-area businesses including shops and pubs — which the club also hopes to have stock the calendars for sale.

While the club generally is sponsored by larger businesses, they wanted to open the calendar up to smaller supporters close to home and connect with the town’s community.

“We could have done with more months, believe it or not,” James added.

From the sales, 10% will go to Looseheadz, a rugby-related charity raising awareness of mental health and tackling stigma.

The rest will be reinvested into the club, to help boost facilities, players’ experience, and hopefully help attract new recruits.

The calendars will be for sale at the clubhouse and can also be sent in the post.