Suits you, sir
We’re used to seeing Donncha O’Callaghan, Simon Zebo and James Coughlan on the field — but there’s a stylish side to the boys too. When they arrived at Brown Thomas, Cork — Munster Rugby’s official formal-wear partner — to be kitted out in their Hugo Boss suits, they showed their fashion kudos for our exclusive shoot.
The trio modelled formal and casual looks and told all in our style Q&A — from their favourite moisturisers to their most decadent fashion splurge.
All three are all in great shape, the peak of physical fitness. You would think they have no problem finding sartorial solutions. But let’s face it, the skinny leg look is never going to work on these guys. Tour de France winner, Bradley Wiggins might get away with dressing like a mod but a whole other set of rules apply when it comes to professional rugby players.
Donncha O’Callaghan has a 42 inch waist but a standard man with a waist that size does not have the same proportions and is probably fighting the bulge. With an average collar measurement of 18 inches, shirts of this size are tent like from the chest down but still snug on the neck. This is where the tailors begin to work their magic.
In their bespoke suits they look razor sharp but a flurry of tailors are required to modify the fit. The tapered leg shape is ideal, giving them a roomy thigh area but with a slimmer calf fit for a more refined silhouette. But that is what bespoke tailoring is all about; the suit fitting the person, not the person fitting the suit. A good suit streamlines and flatters and with the addition of a crisp white shirt and the obligatory silk stripe tie, they can look as professional off the pitch as they do on it.
Clearly more at home in their sportswear of hoodys, polo shirts and puffer jackets, labels including Acne, Barbour and Gant also feature in the shoot proving that it’s always good to push the fashion boundaries.
The players also took part in a quick fashion pop quiz with Prada loafers and Bleu de Chanel aftershave making a proud appearance.
1 What are your favourite shops?
Brown Thomas, H&M and Calvin Klein.
2 What are your favourite labels?
Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Versace.
3 What are your favourite items in your wardrobe?
A beige Kangol hat, a black leather hooded jacket that I got in London and a grey slim-fit cardigan from H&M.
4 What sports person or general celebrity do you think has a good sense of style?
Sonny Bill Williams.
5 Who’s the most style conscious on the team?
Conor Murray.
6 What are your grooming habits?
Nivea moisturiser and Chanel Bleu aftershave.
7 What’s the most expensive fashion item you’ve ever bought?
The black leather jacket.
8 What artist/song/album are you listening to at the moment?
Pharrell Williams.
1 What are your favourite shops?
Brown Thomas, Salingers and Fat Face.
2 What are your favourite labels?
Farah Vintage.
3 What are your favourite items in your wardrobe?
White Converse, a blue, chunky knit cardigan by Barbour that I got in Edinburgh, and a pair of Phat Face, straight-leg jeans.
4 What sportsperson or general celebrity do you think has a good sense of style?
Daniel Craig.
5 Who’s the most style-conscious on the team?
Paul O’Connell.
6 What are your grooming habits?
Nothing really, sometimes some Clinique Happy aftershave.
7 What’s the most expensive fashion item you’ve ever bought?
A pair of black pointed loafters by Prada, bought in Brown Thomas for my wedding.
8 What artist/song/album are you listening to at the moment?
You’ve Got the Love by Candi Staton.
1 What sports person or general celebrity do you think has a good sense of style?
Tomás O’Leary. He owns a waistcoat.
2 Favourite 3 shops?
Brown Thomas. Gasoline in Mahon Point and Radar in Dublin do really good jeans.
3 Favourite 3 labels?
Timberland, G-Star (for their jeans) and anything I can rob from Denis Leamy.
4 Favourite 3 items in your wardrobe?
People’s Republic of Cork T-Shirt. A tracksuit pants I got from Munster two years ago – great for lounging around the house in and if I was to dress up, I’ve a velvet jacket I like a lot. I only get one wear a year out of it.
5 Who’s the most style-conscious on the team?
Casey Laulala.
6 What are your grooming habits?
Anything my sister, Emma, in Emerald Beauty in Douglas suggests (plug!). Also, I brush my teeth three times a day. I hawk any freebie shampoo that is lying around the dressing room!
7 What’s the most expensive fashion item you’ve ever bought?
My velvet jacket.
8 What artist/song/album are you listening to?
The Script or Christy – he’s always on.
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