Rugby players are athletes, some of the finest of their kind.

So it was a great shock when we discovered earlier this week that rugby players are dominating Budgy Smugglers search for Australia’s most ordinary rig.

In fact, eight of the 10 finalists come from the 15-man game and will battle for the coveted title at a gala event in Sydney next month.

Ahead of the awards ceremony, we caught up with Canberra Royals star Tom Hunt to talk rugby, Budgies and his newfound fame.

Can you tell us a bit about your rugby career? 

Think I kicked off around year five at school and I’m still playing now when my body lets me. I played at school then headed down to Royals and have played colts for the last two years. I’m playing lock at the moment but it was my last season in colts so I’d say I’d slot into thirsty fourths next year and have a real dig.

I was a hooker for bit back in my chubbier days, and then played a bit of flanker but I like it in the row. Once this ordinary rig competition is done, I might have a crack in the backs.

I did both my AC joints this season, then broke my thumb in the game before the grand final and missed that. They lost of course, but I still got stuck into the post match celebrations, I wouldn’t miss that for the world.

Talk us through your fitness regime? 

I’m generally the bloke copping a spray from the coach for being 50 meters behind the rest of the pack usually. Pre season is horrible, it’s probably the worst two months of the year so I usually try and avoid it, then show up a week before round one, that’s usually the approach.

What’s your best rugby moment?

Back in high school we won the third XV title two years in a row. I was pretty stoked with that and it’s still all we really talk about at the pub.

How are you dealing with your newfound fame?

It’s been good mate, it’s hard to handle at the moment but my manager takes care of most of it for me.

What would it mean to win?

Geez I don’t really know, it depends on what comes out the other side. It’d be better then losing, that’s for sure.

What are you expecting from the gala event?

I’d say we’ll have a pretty big Friday, then a big Saturday into the evening then probably back it up on Sunday as well. It should be a great few days and I’m really looking forward to it.

The winner will be announced on Saturday 15th October. Tickets to the event are available via the link below. $5 from each ticket sold will be donated to youth mental health causes, One Wave and batyr.

http://merivale.com.au/whats-on/event/budgy-smuggler-presents-australias-most-ordinary-rig-2016/