IT’S taken months in the planning and the beefcake rugby players have had to go pink and strip down to their bare essentials.

They have got their kit off for a good cause and will be viewed as they’ve never been seen before in a bid to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Two fundraising calenders have been produced with one showing off the assets of the club’s 1st XV while the other features a host of teams, supporters and friends linked to the club including the ladies’ squad, junior sides, minis, college acacemey and seniors with photos taken across the town and at the club, off Rougham Road.

It’s the brainchild of Laura Hudson, who is chair of Suffolk Breakthrough.

But she’s quick to thank those who have supported the venture especially photographer Allison Johnson, who took the pictures.

“We had to wait until the season was more or less finished for the players before we took the shots and it’s been long in the planning but so worthwhile,” said Laura.

Allison took the photos during a hectic two-week period including at the club grounds, West Suffolk College, Curve Motion and Northgate Motors and they were officially unveiled at a ceremony at the rugby club.

She said: “It’s kind of been a labour of love and someone had to do it! But the guys were all absolutely brilliant.”

Support has come from the Kingfisher Press, Kristofs Fresh Design and Paperlinx to help produce nearly 1,000 calendars.

The 1st XV is selling for £10 and the club for £5 and are now on sale at the club, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, plus outlets in the town including Palmer’s and Bliss Hair Studios.