Hollywood A-listers are known for their silver screen performances but for a selection of famous actors, their career path could have looked very different. In fact, there are several celebrities who once donned rugby jerseys.
Here are seven famous celebrities who tackled both rugby and fame.
Russell Crowe
This Oscar-winning actor may be known for his powerful performances in films like Gladiator but he fostered very different ambitions in his youth. Born in New Zealand, Crowe played rugby league as a child and he briefly pursued a professional career. Although he followed his passion for acting, he’s still a loyal rugby fan. He even bought the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2006.
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was a keen rugby player as a youngster. Born in the USA, he spent some time in New Zealand as a child and it was here that he started playing rugby. Though he transitioned into professional wrestling and acting, Johnson once referred to rugby as the ‘toughest sport I’ve ever done’.
Javier Bardem
The Spanish actor Javier Bardem is famous for his captivating performances in movies such as Skyfall. Unknown to many, he also had a brush with rugby during his youth. Bardem played the sport during his schooldays and he went on to represent Spain. His final appearance saw him play as a prop for the national U20s squad.
Tom Hiddleston
Tom Hiddleston is best known for his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Away from the big screen, he played rugby for Pembroke College at the University of Cambridge. He was also a regular feature in the university’s productions and he often had to negotiate his appearances with the team captain.
Henry Cavill
Before donning the iconic Superman cape, Henry Cavill played rugby during his days at Stowe School in Jersey. After suffering a concussion, he decided to dedicate his talents to acting; Cavill was an active member of his school’s drama club. However, he’s still a big rugby fan and he’s regularly been spotted wearing a Jersey shirt.
Famous for his performances as Sherlock Holmes, Benedict Cumberbatch was a rugby player long before he burst onto our screens. In fact, he played rugby while he was at Harrow School in London. However, rugby wasn’t his main passion and Cumberbatch spent his schooldays as a member of the Rattigan Society, Harrow’s dramatic arts club.
Last on our list is 007 himself. Daniel Craig was an active and enthusiastic rugby player in his youth. He grew up in the seaside town of Hoylake where he went on to represent Hoylake RFC. Outside of rugby, Craig began acting at the age of six and he quickly fell in love with being on stage. However, he likes to keep up to date with the latest rugby news and he’s even been snapped with the British and Irish Lions.