 | Fame, fortune and in the peak of physical fitness - you’d think that today’s rugby players would be contented with their lifestyles, right? You’d be wrong - today’s rugby stars, or indeed, yesterday’s, also seem to have a penchant for poker, and it’s making we normal folk feel jealous. If you’re not much good with a ball or a pair of cards, you can try your luck at Gamblingland instead, and before you know it, you might just be raking in the same big bucks as some of these rugby stars. Mike Tindall, Sebastien Chabal, Dylan Hartley. | |
- April 13, 2014 - Fame, fortune and in the peak of physical fitness - you’d think that today’s rugby players would be contented with their lifestyles, right? You’d be wrong - today’s rugby stars, or indeed, yesterday’s, also seem to have a penchant for poker, and it’s making we normal folk feel jealous. If you’re not much good with a ball or a pair of cards, you can try your luck at Gamblingland instead, and before you know it, you might just be raking in the same big bucks as some of these rugby stars.
England: Mike Tindall
Back in 2005, the now husband of British Royal Zara Phillips sustained a heartbreaking injury which prevented him from playing - on the rugby pitch that is. Not wishing to twiddle his thumbs, Mike entered the British Open Poker tournament and rather impressively came in third. He’s now become quite accustomed to poker tournaments, having played charity poker at the Ante Up for Africa Tournament in 2009, raising money for Darfur.
France: Sebastien Chabal
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RugbyDump.com |
The hairy and aggressive French number eight has a seemingly softer side when it comes to playing poker - the former Racing Metro Paris superstar enjoys taking part in poker tournaments to raise money for charity. Legend has it that Sebastien learned his talents by playing in online casinos, and luckily for him, he has mastered his poker face to play on the tables.
New Zealand: Dylan Hartley
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RFU.com |
New Zealand hooker Dylan Hartley discovered his love for poker back in 2011 when he joined the ranks of England Captain Mike Tindall to take part in an online tournament, which also featured David Strettle. The stars were pitting their wits against the general public, and sadly for Dylan, he was outshone by Mike Tindall after he crashed out first, going in with triple sevens and losing out to a flush.
It’s clear from these stars’ playing habits that there’s a definite link between playing poker and playing rugby - both require immense concentration, good instincts, tactical flexibility and the ability to focus on one goal.
There’s also the celebrity status of playing in a poker game - the beautiful card game has attracted followers from chess champions to Hollywood actors, so it’s no surprise that those with a little money should get involved. But while these gentlemen may be working on their poker face, it’s great news for charities, who often benefit from high publicised celebrity poker games.
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