Fashion and the French rubgy team are not usually uttered in the same sentence. But after randy lensman Matthias Vriens was hired to shoot the team’s 2003 calendar, the two worlds may now be eternally and inextricably linked. Vriens turned a downright sexpot lens on the players to create instant classic homoerotic images. May’s Gregoire Courturier straddles a forgettable piece of furniture while raising his bum to reach for the high heavens. April cover boy winger Thomas Lombard‘s bedroom eyes peer invitingly from the short month that’s long on fantasy, balancing a rugby ball over his own natural set. Sex clearly sells calendars and the smooth lens of a fashion photographer does as well. What’s next? Alexei Hay for the NFL? Terry Richardson for the NHL? If the players are willing…

Photo: Matthias Vriens of Ignacio Corleto