While rugby and poker may not share any similarities at first glance, they have much more in common than you might believe. For instance, both are intensely competitive sports and require a high level of skill and determination.
It is, therefore, unsurprising that the biggest rugby players in the world have become huge fans of the likes of Texas Holdem and Omaha hi-lo throughout the years. After all, poker can be a superb way for retired sports stars to keep their competitive spirit alive and their minds sharp. Check out the famous rugby players who love poker.
Sebastien Chabal
Sebastien Chabal has been regarded as a dominant force on the rugby field due to his tough tackling, unshaven appearance and impressive physique, which led to his affectionate nickname “The Caveman.”
The former French Rugby Union pro has played for several world-famous teams, such as Bourgoin, Sale Sharks, and Racing 92. What’s more, he played 62 times for the French national side. However, he also hopes to become a dominant force at various online poker tournaments and major events, but he is yet to secure any major wins at the tables.
Mike Tindall
Mike Tindall is easily one of the most famous rugby players of all time, serving as the England captain from 2000 to 2011. His contribution to the field also led to the team playing in 11 Six Nations Championships and entering the 2003 World Cup. The retired sports star also enjoyed great success at both Bath and Gloucester and went onto marry Zara Phillips, who is a member of the British royal family.
However, when the former England skipper wasn’t on the field or enjoying family life, he could often be found playing one or more poker hands. While he might not have made a career out of the pastime, he often joined many no-limit Texas Holdem tournaments, even winning $5,000 during a celebrity poker club series.
In fact, The Guardian once stated, “Tindall has a knack for confident, aggressive tournament poker” and even commented that he could potentially enjoy a future as a part-time pro following his retirement from rugby.
David Susigan
David Susigan, a former professional rugby player, regularly experiences success at the poker felt. While he enjoyed many achievements in the third division for French rugby teams, such as Castanet and Dijon, he sustained various knee and shoulder injuries that led to his early retirement from the sport. Thankfully, he proved to possess exceptional bluffing skills, which led him to switch careers to become a professional poker player.
It is believed David Susigan has earned an astonishing $317,653 from various live poker competitions, such as WPT Barcelona and FPS Monaco. He did, however, secure his most significant win to date at EPT in Monaco in 2015, when he won $140,000 at the Grand Final.
Shane Williams
Shane Williams is a former Welsh winger who has been regarded as one of the finest rugby union players in the world. He currently ranks fourth in the list of international rugby try-scorers.
However, when he wasn’t on the pitch, Williams would spend much of his downtime at the poker tables. He reportedly attended a two-day Grand Prix Poker Tour at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, which offers a £30,000 windfall for the winner. Unfortunately, he was forced out of the game after only 75 minutes.
It is believed his love for the likes of Texas Holdem began during his time with the professional rugby team Neath, where he would play the card game on long coach trips with his teammates, such as James Storey, Brett Sinkinson and Duncan James.
Williams once stated, “I’ve played it online, and I’ve spent enough time in casinos around the world and on tours. I’m by no means an expert. I enjoy the game. There’s an element of luck, and it is a game of skill. You need to know how to bluff. I’m too honest. I go red easily.”
Dylan Hartley
Poker players are often highly competitive, aggressive, and always looking to gain an advantage over their competitors, so it makes perfect sense that many rugby players have chosen to play poker online or live during their spare time.
One rugby star who enjoys a game or two on the side is the recently retired Dylan Hartley, who is a former New Zealand international who regularly attends various poker events. In fact, he and David Strettle, an English rugby union player, once participated in a tournament to pit their skills against some of the most exceptional poker players in the UK.
James Haskell
James Haskell’s name will likely come up when talking about the best rugby players of all time. After all, he played an integral role in England’s Six Nations team back in 2008 and 2009. Plus, he scored an impressive two tries during the 2010 Six Nations’ opening match and contributed to the 2011 team’s victory.
He has also admitted he’s a passionate poker player but claimed he isn’t particularly good at the game, as he stated, “I don’t want to risk things too much.”
James Haskell doesn’t, however, allow his amateur ability to hold him back, as he recently appeared on Sky’s Celebrity Poker. The retired sports star also commented that his London Wasps’ teammates were partial to a hand or two, stating there is a poker culture on the tour bus.
It, therefore, appears that poker and rugby have more similarities than you might have first thought, which is why some of the biggest stars turn to the competitive card game to maintain their competitive spirit.
