Pro rugby star strips off for Elton John AIDS charity appeal
Sacha Harding bares all for Gay Times' coveted annual 'naked issue'
Professional rugby star Sacha Harding has stripped off for the front cover of Gay Times magazine to support Sir Elton John’s AIDS charity campaign.
This year Gay Times magazine have teamed up with the Elton John AIDS Foundation for the annual ‘Naked Issue’ which features 54 naked men.
The action took place in the W London hotel, where the Bedford Blues flanker and official Movember ambassador bared all as the issues cover star.
“AIDS is such a devastating disease for so many people around the world and I was honored to get this opportunity to try and do my part to help raise awareness of the disease and ultimately save lives.
“I know I’m going to get some stick from the lads at Bedford but it’s all good fun and the whole campaign has a very serious message which needs promoting.”
Sacha is no ordinary man, as not only has he graced top-level rugby for the last ten years, but in 2010 he was also voted ‘Britain’s manliest man’ after winning a nationwide competition organised by leading men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge.
GT’s editor Darren Scott said he was delighted to feature Sacha on the front cover. "How could we not have Britain's manliest man on our cover? Our readers do like their men to be real men! It's an absolute joy to have a straight rugby player be so willing to take part in a shoot for Britain's longest-running gay magazine," he said.
As well as stripping off for the front cover of the leading magazine, Sacha talked to Gay Times about being crowned ‘Britain’s manliest man’ and what he’s getting up to off the pitch.
“I think it was all done on looks, if we’re honest! It was quite good, quite surreal to be honest. The guys in the rugby team… I get a bit of stick for it on the pitch, but you can’t take it too seriously,” Sacha said on being named Britain’s most manly male.
He added: “My biggest thing is helping The Bluebeards Revenge range grow, helping them promote their shaving cream and their range of products, alongside the rugby, while trying to be an ambassador for the Movember charity.”
And the 28-year-old has another reason to celebrate this month after raising more than £11k with his Bedford teammates for the Movember campaign.
“This is an outstanding effort considering the tough economic climate and one all of us at the Bedford Blues are very proud of. We would like to thank everyone who donated money,” Sacha said.
The Elton John Aids Foundation supports innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
January’s Naked Issue of Gay Times magazine is on sale 30 November 2011. For more information about the issue visit http://www.gaytimes.co.uk/articlepage.aspx?aid=5936
NOTES FOR EDITORS
About Gay Tines
GT (Gay Times) is the UK’s longest running gay magazine, and is celebrating 25 years in print. It is published by Millivres Prowler Group.
GT is on sale through all major high street brands and supermarkets and is distributed in the UK and overseas by Conde Nast and National Magazine Distributors Limited.
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About Sacha Harding
Sacha Harding is no ordinary man, as not only is he a professional rugby star, the face of the iconic Bluebeards Revenge grooming brand, and an ambassador for the much publicised Movember campaign, he also has the official title of ‘Britain’s Manliest Man’.
Sacha is represented by Nick Gibbens. For all media enquiries, please contact Nick on – info@sachaharding.co.uk or mobile 07789035085.
Nick Gibbens - info@sachaharding.co.uk
Tel - 07789035085
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