This is Mike Tindall as you've never seen him before – oiled, shirtless and looking moodily into the distance as an underwear model. Zara Phillips' husband shows off his buff physique for a charity calendar in a black and white photo that leaves little to the imagination.
'Mr June' joined some of his England rugby teammates in stripping off for Rugby For Heroes - of which Mike is patron. The new organisation, which is run by players, aims to raise money for ex-servicemen. Founder Alan Lamb, whose son Ryan plays for Northampton Saints – said Mike was a bit reluctant the start of the photoshoot. "Some of the players, frankly, didn’t need an awful lot of persuading but some of them were quite shy and reserved, particularly Tins," he said – referring to Mike.
Joining Mike in peeling off for a good cause were fellow players including Delon Armitage and Tom Croft.
Each player has a short poem dedicated to them next to their photo, describing their attributes. Mike's reads: "Breaks up the attack, leaves opponents exposed. "A calming influence, inspiring and composed." The Rugby For Heroes 2012 calendar is available at www.rugbyforheroes.org.uk
