Photo Gallery: Men of Six Nations Rugby

A reader suggested the RBS Six Nations Rugby tournament for a possible sports photo gallery. We were only to happy to oblige because we like to keep our readers well informed on international sports and such. That, and because, okay, rugby players are smokin' hot.

Before we get to the beefcake, here's the sports education bit: The RBS Six Nations Championship is an annual event, with England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales national rugby teams competing. The event is currently sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland, hence the "RBS" in the event title.

Every team plays every other team and are awarded two points for each win, one point for a draw, and nothing for a loss. At the end, the country with the most points wins the championship. The country with the least wins the "The Wooden Spoon". Apparently that's not a good thing.

Ireland won the championship in 2009, but this year midway through the competition France leads with six points (the only undefeated team) and are favored to win. There are only six matches left to play and the tourney ends March 20th.

The gallery below is a highlight reel of the matches to date, and these arresting photos help to explain why rugby is our favorite sport around here. Enjoy, and let us know in the comments what country you're rooting for.

ROME - FEBRUARY 14: Jonny Wilkinson, the England standoff, looks on during the RBS Six Nations match between Italy and England at Stadio Flaminio on February 14, 2010 in Rome, Italy.  (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

CARDIFF, WALES - FEBRUARY 13:  John Beattie of Scotland in action during the RBS 6 Nations match between Wales and Scotland at the Millennium Stadium on February 13, 2010 in Cardiff, Wales.  (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)