I haven't done a real sports themed piece in about two years, and I was sooooo in the mood to do one. For the sport, I chose rugby. It demands or develops the players into tough beefy guys with big arms, muscular thick legs, etc. I had this idea already in mind when I got an email from a fan suggesting that I do a red head this year. I hadn't ever had one in a painting before, and it seemed the perfect match to my rugby theme. I then realized I would be finishing it just in time for St. Patrick's Day. Ireland is big on rugby and well known for it's fiery haired men. I love when things come together like that.