Calendar Girls: Take a Closer Look at the She Devils

They never tire of saying that rugby is a game for men with odd-shaped balls, but we’ve never heard a bad word said about the women who play. And why would we do such a thing when the Beijing Devils women’s team (aka the She Devils) have displayed such enterprising spirit by producing a tastefully shot team calendar?

The Beijing Devils 2012 calendar depicts the players in poses that, thankfully, couldn’t be further from the scrum. They want you to buy a copy (they don’t want to know what you do with it after that). Proceeds will help fund the team’s winter tours to Seoul and Hong Kong.

You have the chance to aid grassroots sport, further rugby’s development and appreciate the beauty of the female form – all at the same time.

While men’s rugby in China is long established (the Beijing league is over a decade old), the women’s game has only really taken off over the last year or so. Though the sport’s inclusion in the 2016 Olympics has piqued Chinese interest, the image of the game ultimately depends on the enthusiasm and vigor of grassroots teams like the Beijing She Devils. Many of the girls have never played sports – let alone rugby – before, but they’ve developed into a team that has taken on the Korean national side and the best that the Chinese circuit has to offer.

If you want a chance to get a calendar for yourself or don't have time to shop for presents, tell us: If you could choose a sports team (the whole lot, no picking and choosing amongst the players) which one would it be? Answer below to win the 12 lovely ladies.

To purchase a calendar, go to The Den or see www.beijingdevils.com/womens-team/ beijing-she-devils-2012-calendar. To learn more about the players featured in the calendar, check out the rest of their website.

Click here to see the December issue of the Beijinger in full.

Photos: Robin Fall