Meet the rugby star with a tattoo too far: Matt Banahan prepares to do battle for England in his 'war paint'

By Ryan Kisiel


The more the merrier: Matt's tattoos cover his arms and torso


At 6ft 7in and weighing in at 18 stone, it’s hard to miss England international Matt Banahan as he charges across the rugby field.

But just in case his opponents do, they are sure to recognise the giant winger by his garish and vast array of tattoos.

Banahan’s body art – which covers his torso and stretches up to his neck – is a far cry from the usual understated look of most rugby internationals down the years.


But his inkings will take centre stage tomorrow when he starts for England in their Grand Slam Six Nations decider against Ireland in Dublin.

While most people might settle for a single tattoo, Banahan reckons the more the merrier. Some of his body art plays tribute to his family and also to the Channel Islands, where he was born.

The 24-year-old even has half an image scrawled across his chest, while his brother has the other half. When they stand together Matt's Spitfire plane completes the full image alongside the Mustang inked on brother Paul's chest.

Jersey-born Banahan, who plays for Bath, said: ‘My whole forearm is lucky. Ace of spades, a pin-up lady sitting inside a horseshoe and a lucky dice. The four-leaf clover was my first tattoo. I got it on my 18th birthday and it is one of my most sacred ones.

Man of action: Matt powers his way through the Scotland defence during England's win last week


‘I always liked shamrocks and the idea of luck, but you don’t always get lucky the first time; you don’t win the lottery on the first attempt. Hopefully it will bring me luck on Saturday. I will certainly be giving it a kiss before the game.’

The star also has a number seven and thirteen inked on his lucky right forearm.

Banahan’s image is a world away from that of clean cut England captain Mike Tindall – who will marry Royal equestrian star Zara Phillips this summer – whose outside centre position he is taking tomorrow.

While tattoos are commonplace in the world of darts and football, they are rarely seen in such glory on the rugby pitch.

If he was able to take his shirt off, the Irish back row might get a full idea of who they’re dealing with. Banahan has his name written down the right side of his ribcage.


Time for walkies: Matt with his pet dogs Tinkerbell (left) and Jasper in Bath


Source:dailymail