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Around 20 per cent of Matt Banahan's body is already covered in tattoos but the England wing wants to get even more done in honour of his two grandfathers who fought in the Second World War.
The 22-year-old plans to endure more pain to imprint two Lancaster bombers across his back and an RAF pilot on his chest once he has tackled three of the toughest teams rugby, starting with Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.
Banahan's body is a living tribute to his grandfathers who fought while their Jersey island home was under the control of the Germans.
The 6ft 7in Bath wing would stand out from the rugby crowd without his body art - he is the tallest player in the team to face the Wallabies - but the tattoos that adorn both arms and half of his chest add to the impact he makes.
The orange of the sky above a German lookout tower that still stands on Jersey will be visible above the neck line of his jersey on Saturday.
Banahan said: "I had my first one done on my 18th birthday and then chose a Spitfire and a Mustang on my left arm and left chest while my brother Paul, who plays for Waterloo, has the other half of the images on his right arm and right chest. Jersey was occupied by the Germans during World War Two and it's a huge part of my heritage.
"I try and design the images but I am not that good and so the tattooist takes over and he knows I want a Lancaster pilot on my ribs as a tribute to a my dad's father whose bomber squadron was based in North Walsham.
"It really does kill having the needles and this is a mark of respect to my family and I would go through anything to honour them - even if it takes four or five hours to complete."
Besides the war references, Banahan has also decided to create his own "lucky right arm" by asking his tattooist to cover the forearm with the No7, a four-leaf clover, Lady Luck, the Ace of Spades and the No13.
Banahan, who will also hope to feature in this month's Tests against Argentina and New Zealand, started rugby late. He was spotted playing for Hampshire by Toby Booth, now the London Irish director of rugby, who convinced him to join the club's respected Academy system and swap the backs for the back row.
However, London life did not appeal to Banahan, who opted for Bath after RFU Academy chief Brian Ashton - who later became England coach - argued that wing was his natural position and a career with the west country club would be the best option.
His form for Bath earned his first cap against Argentina in June and a try marked him out as a real force at Test level courtesy of his pace allied to that tall frame that weighs in at 17st 5lbs. It is now up to the Wallabies to try and shackle this powerful attacking force.
It was be a big test for Banahan but he said: "I am a pretty mellow and calm person and I will try and stay that way in the build-up to the match."
While Banahan will be winning his third cap, England's pack will feature prop David Wilson, who will be making only his second Test start. The 24-year-old is in the XV because of injuries to veteran tight-head pair Phil Vickery and Julian White and he could not have asked for a much tougher assignment.Wilson's opposite number, Benn Robinson, is rated by England's management as the best loose-head in the Tri-Nations and they also credit him with transforming the Wallaby scrum.
But England scrum coach Graham Rowntree said: "Although David is still young we believe he's up to the job. We want him to come through because he's got all the attributes. He's technically excellent in what he does. He's developed as a character and is performing more of a leadership role."
