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Rugby goes to the Oscars

Tuesday 26th February 2008

Grand Prize: Barden has won caps at U16 and U18 levels for Spain

It is not often rugby makes it into the Hollywood headlines, but thanks to a former Spanish rugby player it did just that at this year's Oscars.

Having started life as a rugby player, Spanish-born actor Javier Barden turned his hand to acting, and has made quite a good fist of it.

Barden, formerly of Madrid Rugby Club, represented Spain at both U16 and U18 levels before a career in acting took centre stage.

A front row in his playing days, Barden has been anything but a prop on the big stage, shooting to fame for his supporting role in the film 'No Country for Old Men'.

Such was the impact of his acting that Barden was awarded the Oscar for 'Best Supporting Role' on Sunday.