Romance gets a Scrummy Makeover, with Rugby Romance Novels

from Independent.ie:

For even the most committed fans of romantic fiction, it was too often the love that dare not speak its name.

They may have been happy to display their Marian Keyes’ and Cecelia Aherns on crowded commuter trains and in busy lunchtime cafes.

But their Mills & Boon books were often a guilty, private pleasure, best enjoyed behind closed curtains with a box of chocolates and a nice glass of chardonnay.

In a genre already regarded by some as slightly naff, Mills & Boon books have traditionally been seen as about as uncool as romantic fiction gets.

But the faintly embarrassing maiden aunt of romantic fiction has been busy changing its dowdy dresses for spaghetti straps and killer heels.

And the news this month that M&B has teamed up with the English Rugby Football Union, for a new series of romantic tales from the scrum, underlined just how far the imprint has come from the days of dreamy doctors and swarthy Spaniards.

And it’s not as strange a marriage as you might think. TravelMedia (01 4780084) is currently offering a romantic rugby weekend to Rome over Valentine’s Day, which includes tickets to the Six Nations match, fabulous meals, not to mention Prosecco, chocolates and roses. Which should be enough to keep everyone happy!

The RFU believes the eight tales of rugger romance, which will hit the shelves on the eve of next month’s Six Nations launch, will bring in more female fans for the game.

“We know women love rugby players,” says an RFU spokesperson.

“And this is a great way for us to reach a wider audience.”

The publishers and the men from Twickers have certainly done their research.

Recent focus group studies have revealed that rugby players now represent the ideal husband material/fantasy object for a huge number of women (and gay men).

It’s hardly surprising given the objectification of rugby players like England international Ben Cohen, who has his own sexy calendars, a line in women’s wear and recently hosted a party for his large gay following.

And the annual Stade Francais calendars, featuring the strapping hunks of the Parisian rugby club, have been worldwide best sellers since debuting in 2001.

To read the rest of the article, visit Independent.ie.