THREE rugby players with a combined weight of 72 stones have kicked beer into touch to help them try and lose weight for a fundraising challenge.

Twins Tim and Simon Comben and team-mate Karl Sankey – also known by their nicknames Yogi, Bubble and Boo Boo – are aiming to lose four stones each by changing their after-match tipple from 15 pints to diet drinks.

The Weymouth Rugby Club trio have imposed the drinks ban and a new diet until the twins’ birthday on August 8.

They will split the money raised equally between Cancer Research and the rugby club.

Tim, 22, of Dorchester Road, Weymouth, starts the seven-month challenge at 26st 3lb.

He said: “The biggest part of this is going out with mates after a game and not drinking.

“We’re not small blokes so we can spend £100 each per night.

“We did a tally one night and I drank 15 pints of cider, two pints of Guinness, four Jack Daniels, a bottle of white wine and a WKD.”

The trio have swapped crisps, chips and fried food for jacket potatoes and salad.

They chose Cancer Research as their charity in memory of the twins’ great-grandparents, who both died of the disease.

Simon, of Grove Road, Portland, whose starting weight is 27st 6lb, said his great-grandfather would be proud of them.

He said: “A child of one of my mates has got cancer and that has spurred us on too.

“We are 100 per cent determined – in the past fortnight I’ve been down the gym 10 times.”

Karl, 19, of Buxton Road, started the challenge at 18st 6lb.

He added: “I’m a bit apprehensive but I’m also looking forward to it. Stopping drinking will make quite a difference as I drink quite a lot of Guinness and real ale.

“Normally, after a game we drink at the club and go into town until silly o’clock in the morning. Also it’s the dieting side that I find difficult.

“I’m eating salads so it’s tempting when I open the fridge and see chocolate cake or doughnuts.”

Donate at justgiving.com/yogi-bubble-bobo or get sponsor forms from the Rugby Club, the Dorothy Inn and Weymouth Deli.

See their progress and check their weight at weymouthrfc.org.uk