Rugby at Christmas: 20 brilliant pictures of the beautiful game in winter

Monday, 16 December 2019 at 15:55

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byRugby Rucker

Christmas is a time for family, friends and, most importantly, rugby.

So, for a trip down memory lane as you tuck away another mince pie in front of the fire, click the right arrow above to see our special winter rugby gallery…

1. Samoan Santa

England star Manu Tuilagi stunned coaches, parents and players at Melton Junior Rugby Club’s Christmas party when he arrived as a surprise Santa Claus.

2. This is what playing rugby was all about

3. Charity

BOD launched ChristmasFM in 2018 which was raising funds for Temple Street.

4. Muddy pitches

A rugby player slides on a muddy field

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5. One for the ladies

6. Future star?

Rob Andrew of Nottingham kicking the ball during the Nottingham v Rosslyn Park Rugby Union match played on a snow covered pitch at Beeston, Nottingham on the 19th January 1985.

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7. Joe Marler is my Santa

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8.I don't think there is quite enough mud in this photo...

9. Perfect Christmas Tree

10. Ben Cohen on a Christmas card

11. The Robshaw Family

12. Christmas suits are the worst.

13. Cold lads?

England rugby union players Andy Ripley (left) and Mike Cooper brave the cold during a training session.

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14. When Carter met Santa

15. Presents for all

Exeter Chiefs rugby players visited Bramble Ward, Childrens' unit at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter, bearing gifts.

16. Christmas promo

Jonny Wilkinson and Lawrence Dallaglio get jumpered up to promote the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

17. Santa knows...

CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM: A Rugby supporter dressed as Santa Claus looks in a rugby shop 06 November 1999 in Cardiff a few hours before the Rugby World Cup 1999 final game opposing France to Australia at the Millennium stadium. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) (Photo credit should read OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/Getty Images)