(SPOTLIGHT) Aussie Rugby Star's Sexy DNA Spread!

 

With his boyish good looks, lithe build and sprinter’s legs, Kayne Lawton was the pin-up boy of Australian rugby league. Now, post-football, he’s proving he’s more than just a pretty face (and a god-like physique). He chats to Andrew Creagh in DNA

DNA: When you started playing rugby professionally you were still a teenager, and you were quickly dubbed the pin-up boy of the game. With that sort of fame early on, how did you stay grounded?
Kayne Lawton: I’m lucky I come from a hard working, down-to-earth family, and they would let me know if they saw it going to my head [laughs]. Also, rugby league was my main focus and playing NRL was all that mattered at that time.

You played in the hooker position – for people unfamiliar with the game, can you describe what you did? The hooker’s main role is to deliver the pass once the player has been tackled. They are the busiest of players. The good hookers are creative in attack, have a precise kicking game and are strong in defence.

What are your football career highlights? Definitely playing my first NRL game. It was a dream since I was a kid and something I will never forget.

Do you ever miss the adrenaline rush of crossing the score line? Yeah, for sure! It’s an unreal feeling – going in for a try. I get itchy feet thinking about it.

How is life post-football then? Yeah, it’s great. I feel really happy where I’m at. I’m working on a new project at the moment that’s exciting; it’s a different type of challenge but its fresh for me and I’m excited to see where I can go with it.

You’re talking about your new career as a personal trainer and dietician. A lot of PTs are going online now. Is that the case for you? Yeah, I have my own website [kaynelawton.com.au] being launched now. I’m doing personalised diet plans and training programs so I’m really excited about that. I’ve helped a lot of people already and the feeling is unreal – seeing them happy in their new bodies.

What’s your approach to your fitness? Is it researched and scientific or do you just jump in and do the things you love? I studied Cert 3 and 4 in Fitness And Nutrition but I believe most of my knowledge is through my own experience. I learned a lot from playing and training with NRL teams, and just recently competing in a physique competition. That experience taught me a lot about the way the body can change in a short amount of time. In the gym I love lifting heavy. It’s what motivates me. I’m just maintain my physique and working on the parts I think need improving, just staying natural and healthy. Its like scoring a try when I set a new personal best!

Rugby, and many football codes generally, takes a real toll on the body; do you have any war wounds? Yeah, I had a lot of injuries playing rugby league from torn hamstrings, breaking bones to shoulder reconstructions. But it’s all good. I loved the physicality of it. It’s something I really miss. I’m just lucky the face didn’t cop too much damage [laughs].

What about the multiple minor concussions issue that’s coming up now in football? Do you think you’ve been effected by that? I had a few, but it’s part of the game. I think the No Punch and the No Shoulder Charge rule should be lifted. I think it’s disappointing that they enforced them. I just hope they don’t keep changing more rules because that’s what makes it fun and unique from other sports.

You’ve modelled for Teamm8 sportswear and been in the Gods Of Football book, is modelling something you enjoy and would like to do more off? Definitely! I enjoy it. I had heaps of fun shooting with Ian Chang and Shannon Williams. They are great at what they do. Hopefully there will be more opportunities in the future.

In these images, you are projecting a very powerful sexual energy – is that how you are all the time or is it something you’re able to turn on for the camera? [Laughs] I’m not sure… I just think that in front of the camera, when I’m relaxed and having fun, the real me comes out.

Sexuality is a bit of a non-issue for most people these days. Why do you think so few of the game’s gay players have come out – even after retirement? I think that they might feel they’re not living up to the tough-guy image if they come out, or might feel embarrassed around their old teammates. I suppose its all individual.

If an NRL player came out you’d be supportive of that? If that’s who they are, I’d applaud them for coming out and being themselves.

DNA readers have a big ol’ soft spot for footy players. Nick Youngquest has been on the cover, David Williams and Daniel Conn have been in our Sexiest Man Alive issues – are you aware of your own gay fan base? Every now and then something pops up on social media. I think the Gods Of Football calendar [by Pedro Virgil] is where it all started [laughs].

You once said you admired Roger Federer as a sportsman – what’s your tennis like? I think all the weights ruined my game [laughs]. I’m actually quite handy at table tennis. I’m undefeated amongst my mates at the moment but not sure if I’m good or they’re bad!

Let’s say you’re good! You surf and play golf – you’re the original all-rounder! I like to think I’m the best at all of them, but I’m not really.

Who is someone who’s had a major positive influence on your life, and what was that? Definitely my parents. They supported me throughout my career playing rugby league, they gave me the confidence and self-belief that anything is possible. Also, my girlfriend. She has been a massive support for me, helping me start my business, and she’s running her own. It’s called Jaymes Swimwear. She started from nothing and inspires me every day.

The generalisation is that sports people are all brawn and no brain – care to comment? It’s unfair to pigeonhole every sportsperson… Being a professional athlete is a full-time job. To try to complete a degree while pushing your body to its limits at training everyday is hard work. Because of the limited amount of time you have after playing and training, it’s simply impossible. You can’t measure someone’s intellect based on the fact that they may not have been to university; its a cop out and an immature attitude.

What’s the thing you enjoy doing most? Definitely travelling! I went to America a few years ago and it was the best experience. I did the west coast, so all through LA, did a gym session at Muscle Beach and was lucky enough to go to Las Vegas! I haven’t travelled for a while. Hopefully this year I can change that. New York is definitely on the bucket list!

What are the big, global issues that you feel most passionately about? One day I’d love to be in a position to make a real impact on global hunger. I’m so grateful for the life I live and feel everyone should experience a normal life without just trying to survive.

Who’s your man crush? I would have to say Leonardo DiCaprio. C’mon, give him an Oscar!

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