You might think that Matt Banahan is getting tattoos to impress the opposite team on the rugby field. But it’s not the case. All his tattoos have a deep meaning to him and like so many others, just like Cheryl Cole, Cher Lloyd or Robbie Williams, he just loves his tattoos. He says he’s not addicted to getting inked but he’s pretty sure he will get a few more tattoos in the years to come.
His one of England’s rugby star with the most tattoos. Rugby players from New Zealand and Fiji are known for their tattoos and it is part of their tradition and culture. For England players, getting tattoos is a new thing. Other sport personalities have gone mad for tattoos such as David Beckham and Kevin Pietersen.
So will Matt Banahan impress the other players during the final six nation games against Ireland on Saturday? Well, he’s more likely to impress with his build - 6ft 7in and 18 stone and the way he can run. But if his build is not enough to impress the opposite team, he can rely on his war paint. Many of his tattoos are family related such as a war related tattoo as an homage to his grand-father who fought in the second world war, his parents initials and a tattoo he shares with his brother. Matt has a Spitfire on his chest and his brother, Paul, has a Mustang. It’s only when they stand together that you can see the whole picture made of the 2 tattoos.
He also has many lucky tattoos such as a number 13, an Ace of Spade, a pair of dice, a horseshoe, a four-leaf clover which was his first tattoo which he got on his 18th birthday.
Let’s hope his luck tattoos bring everyone a great game on Saturday.