Paul Nicholls Photography. Sport

SPORT

Gloucester is well known for its rugby team and loyal
supporters, and over the years I have covered many a
home fixture - as well as a few away games.

I also cover Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers football
matches, as well as a variety of other local football and rugby
games.

I have covered most sports in my time, including the
world-famous Badminton and Gatcombe Horse Trials,
Cheltenham Races and Gloucestershire County Cricket.

Legendary former England and Gloucestershire wicket
keeper, Jack Russell, has become a friend over the
years, due to the many times I have photographed him.

World Cup-winning England and former Gloucester
rugby star, Phil Vickery, has also been very good to
me over the years.

After the birth of his daughter I was sent to photograph
him, and I actually managed to persuade this massive
front row forward to take off his shirt and have his picture
taken, skin on skin, with his new daughter. Made nice pics!

Weeks later, as part of a special cancer campaign being
supported by the newspaper, the Editor wanted Mr Vickery
topless again, wearing only his shorts, boots and a pink tie -
the symbol of the cancer campaign in question.

So here I found myself, once again, asking one of the hardest
men in world rugby to take off his shirt. I felt compelled to
tell him that I am a happily married man.

Again he obliged. Nice bloke!