A Close Shave
Ten rugby players from St Edmund's Hall defied their stereotype on Monday, as they embraced their feminine side with a visit to Channel Four's 'The Salon'. Bravest by far was Rob, who endured a full chest wax, describing it as "searing and constant pain." Captain Freddie and Vice-captain Ben enjoyed new haircuts, Hugh had a facial, and Big Joe discovered the delights of a pedicure.
Passions were aroused during the show as FHM's Top Ten High Street Honeys sauntered unexpectedly into the salon. Ben had "never seen so many attractive women in my whole life!"
Yet the boys claim they were having a great time even before the girls arrived, as although it was part of a reality TV set-up, the cameras were incredibly unobtrusive. So unobtrusive, in fact, that they didn't realise they were being filmed in the changing rooms! At first they found themselves watching their words, conscious that the editors could choose to rip them apart in Tuesday's programme, but time in the jacuzzi and sauna soon helped alleviate any anxieties.
Overall they'd recommend it to anyone, as it "beats the hell out of lectures", but will they keep up their new beauty routines once they get back in the mud? Rumours of "group moisturising sessions" are surely unfounded, but watch this space...
Photo: Nicholas Woolley
30th Oct 2003