Sat 31 Mar
Picture the scene, 300 women who have squeezed themselves into their dress to impress outfits along with plenty of alcohol and some incredibly attractive rugby players posing in their smalls. On Saturday 31 Mar this scence was reality at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli, and it was all in the name of raising money for Iestyn Thomas’ benefit year and his chosen charities – Tenovus, The Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Parasol.
After the incredible popularity of his money-raising calendar that involved several of Wales’ Six Nations players including Jonathan Davies, George North and Aaron Shingler with nothing but rugby balls (and shrubbery) to cover their modesty, the calendar was brought to life for the entertainment and enjoyment of over 300 lucky ladies.
We were served drinks on arrival by several of the Scarlets players, and during a delicious three-course meal, we were entertained with a catwalk show hosted by Rupert Moon that featured Iestyn Thomas and 11 of his Scarlets team-mates. Both the raffle and the auction were successes, with lots such as a rugby ball signed by the Six Nations grandslam team and signed photos of the calendar going down a treat. Afterwards the players happily mingled with the highly excitable audience who struck each other with their clutch bags (perhaps a slight exaggeration), to have their photographs taken with the players.
Obviously the main focus was to help raise money for the chosen charities, but I’m not sure I can imagine doing it in any better fashion.