Top Tattoos: A rugby XV of tattooed players - Page 3 of 3 - Ruck

Top Tattoos: A rugby XV of tattooed players

Lock: Courtney Lawes

The giant England second row is now so well-illustrated that he admits he doesn’t have room left for any more.

Lawes, who has everything from koi carp to messages from his mum drawn into his skin, said: ‘The more I got the more I wanted. My body is so covered they all look like one piece.’


Lock: Jim Hamilton


Flanker: Gary Graham


Flanker: James Davies

The flanker had the hangover from hell in 2015 after he awoke in a Vegas hotel room to discover his World Cup dream was over and his own name was tattooed on his knuckles


Number 8: Teimana Harrison

These days the colours of the Saints feature in an elaborate sleeve tattoo on Harrison’s right arm. That is a display of affection and loyalty to the club who gave him a chance, but even more poignant is the ink on his chest. Harrison has the name of a friend written above his heart as a reminder of a sadder episode.

Months before being scouted by Hartley and coming to England, Harrison was convicted in court — without punishment — after the death of 17-year-old friend Bishop Thompson in a jet-ski accident.

The pals had been messing around on Lake Okareka, Thompson fell into the water and was struck by the jet-ski being ridden by Harrison. Another friend, Ricardo Maaka, was also convicted for his part in the incident.