King's Cross Steelers – rugby union’s oldest gay team
Champions of Europe: the King's Cross Steelers at the 2011 Union
Cup in Amsterdam. Photograph: (C) Kevin Scott
In a modern society that is constantly reminded of its ever increasing waistline,
the onus is on many of us to make sure we are getting a sweat on and keeping fit.
Large numbers take to the gym, but for the rest of us who cannot self-motivate
and will all too easily use the steamroom ahead of the treadmill, team sport
is a hugely valuable way of ticking the fitness box – as well as improving
our social lives.
Rugby union is a sport where the nature of the team as a whole is crucial to
success on and off the pitch. On 1 November 1995, a meeting at Central
Station in King’s Cross resulted in the creation of the world’s first fully
inclusive rugby club for gay and bisexual men – the King’s Cross Steelers.
Having spent the last two years working my way into the professional
game as a reporter and broadcaster, I recently linked up with the Steelers
to host a ‘Beer with Ben Cohen’ event at Clapham’s Two Brewers, and
was kindly invited to the team’s Annual Dinner. Through those events
I discovered a tremendously cohesive group of guys and a very proud
club – plus how to lose my dignity in XXL…
In their 16-year existence, the Steelers have made great strides.
In 1999 they played their first inter-gay team match against Manchester’s
newly formed Spartans, a club that continues to act as their UK rivals.
They also achieved recognition from English rugby union’s governing body,
the RFU, and joined the Surrey County League. By 2001 the Steelers
had enough members to be able to field a second team alongside the
firsts. Mainstream accolades followed, with Rugby World magazine
naming them as ‘Team of the Month’ in 2002.
The Steelers have also played an important part in promoting gay rugby
union worldwide, having helped create the International Gay Rugby
Association and Board (IGRAB). IGRAB now has over 40 member teams
around the world, with eight of those spread throughout Britain and Ireland.
Next year Manchester will host the 2012 Bingham Cup tournament, IGRAB’s
showpiece international event. In a sign of how seriously IGRAB is being
taken, Manchester’s bid was supported by former England Rugby World
Cup winner Ben Cohen.
The Steelers playing their final game against Manchester at the 2011 Union Cup. Photograph: (C) Kevin Scott
Another international tournament,
the Union Cup – a biennial competition
the Union Cup – a biennial competition
for European IGRAB members – has shown just how hard the team works
to stay at the top of its game. At this year’s Union Cup, held in
Amsterdam in early June, the Steelers won two pieces of silver;
the second team came third overall in the tens tournament, while the
first team retained their position as champions of Europe by defeating
the Manchester Village Spartans in the final game.
Meeting many of the players and members as I have done, it is clear
that rugby is at the heart of this club. Yes, it is a gay (or, rather,
predominantly gay) rugby club, but there is probably less homo-eroticism
in the Steelers’ changing room
than you would see in any number of straight rugby clubs up and down
the country! Like any other rugby club, from players to supporters,
there are all shapes and sizes; some butch boys and some camp guys
alike. Chairman Tim Sullivan explains: ‘The ethos that we have here at
the Steelers is one of inclusiveness. All are welcome at this club.
Since our formation we have striven to ensure that whoever comes
to the club is made welcome. Whether as a player or a supporter, gay
or straight, we are very proud of each and every member of this club.
It is an essential part of our success.’
Those who pull on the team’s colours every week are equally passionate.
One player, Dean Knight, told me, ‘the Steelers are a great bunch of guys
and it’s a great setup. There’s some excellent rugby talent, as well as
support for novice and emerging players and both teams measure up well
against the mainstream teams in the local competitions. But the best part
is that the rucking, mauling, tackling and passing is all done with heaps
of gay gusto – there’s nothing like a bit of cheeky gay banter thrown in
to remind everyone that the Steelers provide a welcoming and supportive
club for gay ruggers to play the game they love.’
I can certainly bear witness to the warmth that the Steelers exude, and
the fun that they have on and off the pitch is certainly infectious.
They have achieved a great deal in their sixteen years and their spirit
of inclusion is testament to their success – long may it continue
If you would like to become part of the King’s Cross Steelers as a player
or supporter, visit the team’s website; you can also follow them on
on Twitter @rugbymedia.
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