The annual Australian tradition of the "nude rugby player calendar" continues with ‘Gods of Football 2009’ from photographer Pedro Virgil.
Virgil’s luxurious calendars, wildly popular in Australia since they first debuted in 2003, are now being exported for sale worldwide.
Outside Australia, the calendars have been a well-kept secret, except among gay men who were early adopters and their primary fans. But more mainstream popularity is being driven by global distribution, word-of-mouth, and coverage (with pictures!) online and in print.
A video crew followed Virgil on his shoots this year, and a companion ‘Gods of Football 2009’ DVD will be released in North America in early 2009. Check out the video above for a sneak peek.
Gods of Football raises awareness and funds for The McGrath Foundation breast health charity.
Can you imagine NFL players getting naked for a calendar? Even for charity? You’ve gotta love these open-minded Australian footballers. The players are nude, but there is no frontal nudity in ‘Gods of Football.’
The Cathouse at Luxor Las Vegas hosts a US launch party for ‘Gods of Football’ on Sunday, December 21st at 11:00 PM.
Charitable Naughty Rugby Calendars
‘Gods of Football 2009'
Trend Themes
1. Global Expansion of Nude Sports Calendars - There is an opportunity for photographers and calendar companies to expand their market by exporting and selling nude sports calendars worldwide.
2. Mainstream Popularity of Nude Athlete Calendars - There is a growing trend of nude athlete calendars gaining mainstream popularity, driven by global distribution, word-of-mouth, and online/print coverage.
3. Video Companion for Calendar Releases - There is an opportunity to create video companion content for calendar releases, providing sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes footage to attract more consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - The photography industry can take advantage of the trend of nude sports calendars by creating and exporting their own versions.
2. Calendar Publishing - The calendar publishing industry can capitalize on the mainstream popularity of nude athlete calendars by partnering with photographers or creating their own line of calendars.
3. Charitable Organizations - Charitable organizations can explore partnerships with nudity-themed calendars like Gods of Football to raise awareness and funds for their causes.