Spectator Sport: Rugby's Byron Kelleher

Meet Byron Kelleher, 32, who plays half-back for French Rugby team Toulouse.

Lucky for us (or just me and my private photo files) Byron LOVES to take his shirt off. A lot. And around other shirtless footballers.

So if you like thick, muscly, athletic men sporting sexy tattoos then check out the rest of the images after the jump. You won't be disappointed. Pinky swear.

Gods of Football: Taking It Behind-the-Scenes

So, remember the Gods of Football 2009 calendar featuring those beautifully muscled Aussie rugby boys? Well, check out this behind-the-scenes video of the making of the steamy calendar.

Don't get your panties twisted, though -- there's no full frontal nudity here. But blink and you might miss a lovely booty bump shot (NSFW).

Click here to purchase the video.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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Rich Rodriguez is a self-described “tennis addict” who not only plays regularly around his home base of Brooklyn, NY but also writes the blog Down the Line!

Unless otherwise stated, no particular sexual orientation of anyone depicted is implied or should be presumed.

Rugby for Valentines

One of my favorite annual events here in San Diego will be taking place this weekend, beginning on my least-favorite "holiday" of the year.  I'll take hot ruggers over expensive candy and flowers any day.

Rugby: Australian football tackling homophobia

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The Victorian Country Football League (VCFL) in Australia is getting ready to attempt to stamp out homophobia, especially in rural areas within the league. As part of a legal settlement between VCFL and the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), new policies on sex discrimination are being added to the operating code for the league as well as the implementation of new training programs to address homophobia.

"There needs to be a clear and consistent message by the administration that it [homophobia] is not okay," said Rob Mitchell, head of the RJM Trust, an organisation set up to stamp out same-sex discrimination in rural areas of Australia.

"The issue needs to be raised front and centre and dealt with in the same way as racial vilification. Players need to be looked after and kept safe."

Source: SSO.net

Originally posted by James Schend

NYC's Gotham Knights are the best gay rugby team in North America

The Sydney Convicts may have taken top honors at this year's Bingham Cup, but the Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club finished third overall and rightfully claim title of best gay rugby team in North America. 

The Bingham Cup holds a special place for the members of the Gotham Knights. Named for one of their founders and 9/11 hero Mark Kendall Bingham, the Cup takes place every other year, and this year's tournament, held in Dublin, Ireland, saw over 30 teams competing. 

Rugby: Sydney Convicts are the gay rugby world champions!

The Sydney Convicts have once again earned the title of world champions, winning the Bingham Cup in Dublin, on June 15th.  The Convicts defeated the Kings Cross Steelers 18 to 3 to clinch the victory.

"I’m proud of the strength and determination shown by the boys today and in the lead up games to the final." said Charlie Winn, captain of the Sydney Convicts. "The team’s thanks also goes to the Bingham Cup organisers for their amazing efforts and to entire Convicts community both in Dublin and back home for their loyal support. Special thanks to the Convicts Head Coach Bronnie Mackintosh and Head Physiotherapist, Simon Raftery, for their incredible contribution to the Convicts".

Photo courtesy of the Sydney Convicts

Originally posted by James Schend

Rugby: The gay rugby world championships - The Bingham Cup

Where is the best place to be June 13 - 15th?  If you like men playing rugby then there really is no question: Dublin of course.  Commonly known as the Gay Rugby World Cup, the 4th Bingham Cup is begin held this year in Dublin, Ireland. 

The Bingham Cup is held in honor of Mark Bingham, one of the heroes of Flight 93 on September 11th 2001, and who played on the San Francisco Fog Rugby team.  It's held every other year and draws teams from all over the world to compete.

This year's hosts are the Emerald Warriors RFC, who happen to have in their ranks the current Mr. Gay Ireland, Barry Meegan. 

Source: The Bingham Cup

Photo courtesy of the Emerald Warriors RFC

Originally posted by Leo Parr

Rugby: Ben Cohen beats out David Beckham for Gay Times Award

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Ben Cohen is just where I'd like to always imagine him - on top.

The sexy rugby star won the UK's Gay Times Readers' Award gold medal for "Sports Personality of the Year" and silver for "Sexiest Man of the Year".

I’m really flattered and am constantly surprised by the amount of attention I get from gay people – to win these awards from Gay Times is just brilliant," said Cohen.

The 29-year old beat out another gay favorite, David Beckham, for the top prize.

Source: UK Gay News

Originally posted by Rich Rodriguez

Rugby: Behind-the-scenes of Aussie boys getting Naked for a Cause

I have a couple of suggestions. For future sports teams who want to make a beefcake calendar (are you listening Kansas City Royals?) please watch the following video for inspiration. For all sports fans who enjoy gratuitous video of hunky, near-naked athletes giving it up for charity just watch and drool:

Source: OutSports.com

Originally posted by Rich Rodriguez

Spectator sport: Rugby bad-boy Sonny Bill Williams

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From the gifted to the gorgeous, Spectator sport showcases athletes at the top of their game.

Sonny Bill Williams plays second row or lock for the Canterbury Bulldogs in the National Rugby League (NRL). This muscular 22-year old also sports four tattoos on his body including the stunning traditional Samoan sleeve that starts at his right shoulder and runs down to his forearm.