Rugby star Tom Varndell from Ashford took his kit off for a magazine to raise awareness of male cancer.

The Wasps player posed naked for the October issue of Cosmopolitan magazine as part of their monthly 'Centrefold' spread for Cancer Research UK.

In the full-page picture Tom, who was born in the town, covers his modesty with a rugby ball.

The 28-year-old, who has played for England, also took the opportunity to defend the bad reputation of sportsmen claiming 'we are not all like that'.

He said: "Rugby players are well-behaved. After a match I like going out with the team sometimes but I love nothing more than going home to my family.

"Respect for the women in your life is so important and I want my two sons to see how much I love their mum.

"I teach them about eating right and exercising too – it’s easy to take your body for granted until it’s too late.”

Tom joins a host of other stars who have appeared in the magazine's monthly naked spread, including Ronan Keating, Graham Norton and Ewan McGregor.