RUGGED athletes have left very little to the imagination in a daring nude charity calendar.

Players at Swindon Rugby Club are showing off their enviable six-packs, bulging biceps and much more in a series of revealing black and white photographs set against the background of pitches, showers and changing rooms.

But the 12 sportsmen’s modesty remains hidden in each snap by strategically placed towels and rugby balls.

The two-year calendar is the idea of Yvette Maxwell-Darkes, a life member at Swindon RFC and businesswoman. She enlisted the help of a photographer and make-up artist and directed the shoot herself.

The project was the ideal way to raise funds both towards the club’s much-needed £100,000 refurbishment and the Great Western Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit.

“The guys were excellent,” she said.

“They would stand in a position for two minutes and whinge but not once did someone say I don’t want to stand or I don’t want to this.”

But creating a nearly-naked calendar was not without ‘technical’ difficulties.

“We had to make sure that nothing was showing or exposed and that it was tasteful,” added Yvette.

“There were so many photos we couldn’t use. Their modesty is intact. I wanted the calendar to look a bit sexy but professional.”

After broaching her bold plans to Swindon RFC she discovered members Scott and Tracy Chapman owed much to staff at the GWH baby unit after they cared for their daughter Grace, who was born six weeks premature in 2009.

This only confirmed that SCBU was the ideal cause to support for Yvette.

While 20 per cent of the funds raised from calendar sales will be donated to the hospital, the remaining 80 per cent will pay for a new shower block and allow the club to bring its pitches up to standards.

Although initially jittery about being oiled, not to mention posing in the nude, Connal Knott, 26, soon found himself at ease in the role of a professional model.

“I was a bit nervous to begin with,” he said. “Yvette was there, the make-up artist was there, it was all a bit daunting. After an hour or so it got comfortable.

“Yvette wanted us to show our bit of muscle. That was quite embarrassing. But it was all for a good cause. The result is absolutely brilliant. Most of my friends were pretty impressed.”

His friend and fellow model Mike Thompson, 22, added: “It was good fun. I’m not used to that sort of thing so it took a few attempts to get it right.”

The calendars cost £10, plus £3.50 shipping fee, and are available from Swindon RFC. To order a calendar send a cheque payable to Swindon RFC to Swindon RFC, New Pavilion, Greenbridge Road, Swindon, SN3 3LA.