Latest Blogs

Kings Cross Steelers Triumph at Union Cup

378122_10152869871285534_135915861_nThis month’s club of the month is The Kings Cross Steelers, the world’s first open membership gay and bisexual rugby club, for their triumph in the fifth bi-annual Union Cup, hosted by the Bristol Bisons over the May Bank Holiday Weekend.

The Steelers managed to retain the title that they won in Amsterdam two years ago triumphing over fourteens other predominantly gay teams from all over Europe, including teams from Dublin, Berlin, Stockholm, Newcastle and Cardiff.

The tournament was established in 2005 as a means for amateur gay teams to compete on a European stage. It is the sister tournament of the Bingham cup, which a bi-annual tournament for gay teams across the world that promotes rugby union as an all-inclusive non-discriminatory sport, which everyone can play regardless of sexuality.

Chris Buckmaster, the Steelers first team captain said,

“It was an honour to play and win the Union Cup with the Steelers. This victory is the culmination of a lot of hard work put in by the boys over the last season, with many of our players new to the game this year. This is a great platform from which to build our campaign to try and win the next Bingham cup in Sydney next summer”.

312118_10152853613515497_803145843_nThe Union Cup saw around five hundred players, officials and supporters from all over Europe descend on Bristol for a weekend full of rugby and social events.

The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and inclusiveness, with some impressive rugby on display by both new and more seasoned players alike.

During the closing ceremony the host city for the next Union Cup in 2015 was announced as Brussels (beating strong competition from both Edinburgh and Montpellier).

The Steelers are now celebrating their eighteenth year in competition and field two teams in the Essex 2 division and in the Merit Tables. The club is hoping to send both squads to next year’s Bingham cup.

The Steelers welcome players of all sexualities and abilities. For more information check out their website www.kxsrfc.com or for recruitment email recruitment@kxsrfc.com.


Leave a Reply

Buy our Newly Released Book!

FRN Rugby Blogs

Follow FRN on Facebook

Follow LIT 7s on Facebook

Follow FRN Touch on Facebook