LIST | 5 very famous actors who played rugby

As it turns out, some very famous and polished actors have actually taken to the rugby pitch in their lifetime to do just that.

Obviously the best training for playing James Freaking Bond would be rugby, and so it was for Hoylake RFC’s most famous Old Boy. It also goes a long way towards explaining why Craig’s face looks like it’s absorbed a punch or two in its time. He can also often be spotted at Twickenham, cheering on England.

Superman was back-rower in his youth before a concussion forced him to quit. Cavill, who was born in Jersey, is also a keen supporter and season ticket holder of the island side who play in the Championship, the second tier of English rugby. He's also a keen England supporter.

In addition to acting, Cumberbatch was passionate about playing rugby while at school.

"Everyone was confused," admitted Cumberbatch on his recreational habits during his school days. There's that chap from the rugby pitch; takes his tackle low and doesn't complain when he comes out of it badly. And oh, look, there he is wearing a wig and prancing around being Titania, queen of the fairies.' I covered all bases."

During an interview to promote a new film, the actor recalled a rugby career that saw him represent Spain at age group levels up to Under-20, initially as a flanker and then as a prop. Bardem’s many previous roles include the baddie Raoul Silva in Skyfall.

Rogen grew up in Vancouver where American football is not as a popular as other areas (like Saskatchewan), and instead his school had a rugby team, where the comedian's size came in handy.

"That's what I looked like in high school, I was a big dude.

"I played Rugby and shit. In Canada they don't have football they have rugby in high school, I was actually pretty good because I was gigantic."

"And I smoked a tonne of weed also, I was a pot-head-rugby-stand-up-comedian."