VAGABONDS Rugby Club is launching a 2012 'nearly nude' calendar to raise money for charity.

The calendar, which was shot by Marianne McCourt, features the men's and women's rugby teams and is part of a sponsorship deal with Sure.

A portion of the money raised through the sale of the calendar will be donated to Hospice Isle of Man and the rest will be used to support the Vagabonds Rugby Club.

Leigh Kennaugh, the captain of the Vagabonds Rugby Men's First XV Team, said: "With Christmas fast approaching we really wanted to get into the charitable spirit and give something back to the Manx community. 

"The calendar was great fun to work on and will really help out the club in its efforts to raise funds for facilities for the new pitch and clubhouse - not to mention the support it will give Hospice Isle of Man. 

"A massive thanks to all the sponsors that have contributed."

Kate Hegarty, marketing manager for Sure, said: "Sure is extremely happy to support such a great project and we hope that the public will go out there and buy the calendar in order to help raise money for the Isle of Man Vagabonds and Hospice. 

"It was a lot of fun putting it together and we're pleased to be able to finally reveal the end product." 

The calendars will be on sale from December 1 from Sure shops and through team members. They are priced at £6.

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