Five major celebrities you had no idea were good at rugby, including James Bond

Whether they played in their youth or pursued it alongside other passions, these five celebrities all share an unexpected history with rugby.

Before captivating audiences as a Bond villain, Javier Bardem was making tackles on the rugby pitch. The Spanish actor revealed his love for the sport during an interview with RugbyPass TV at the Rugby World Cup France 2023 semi-final between Argentina and New Zealand.

“I played for Spain,” Bardem shared. “I started when I was nine years old and played until I was 23. It’s my passion. Playing rugby in Spain is like being a bullfighter in Japan—it didn’t make sense back then, but now there’s much more support for the sport in Spain.”

While Daniel Craig is known worldwide for his portrayal of James Bond, fewer know he was also a keen rugby player.

Growing up in England, Craig played for Hoylake RFC. With his physicality and athleticism on screen, it's not hard to imagine him tearing up the rugby field in his youth.

Before his wrestling fame, French icon Andre the Giant was a young rugby player in his hometown of Grenoble.

His imposing size, which later became legendary in the world of professional wrestling, made him a formidable presence on the rugby pitch. His early sporting days remain part of his larger-than-life legacy.

Though Gareth Bale is globally known for his footballing prowess, he grew up in the rugby heartland of Wales, where he played rugby alongside future Welsh captain Sam Warburton.

Eventually, Bale turned his focus to football, a decision that has paid off both in trophies and financially, but his rugby background shaped his early sporting life.

Benedict Cumberbatch, the British actor famed for his role as Sherlock Holmes, didn’t just shine on stage. At school, he balanced his acting with a passion for rugby.

“Everyone was confused,” Cumberbatch joked.

“There’s the chap from the rugby pitch, and then, oh look, there he is in a wig playing Titania, Queen of the Fairies.” His athletic and artistic versatility clearly began at a young age.