A rugby pitch in Essex has become one of the fiercest battlegrounds for LGBTQ+ inclusion in British sport — and it’s not just about scoring tries. The Colchester Kings, now the biggest LGBTQ+ rugby club in the East of England, are rewriting what it means to belong in a sport traditionally seen as macho, straight, and exclusionary.
Founded in 2022, the Colchester Kings have exploded in size — drawing over 100 members hungry for a space where rugby doesn’t come with side orders of homophobia or transphobia. “We’re breaking down barriers,” said club vice-chair James Silverstone. “This isn’t about separating ourselves — it’s about smashing the idea that queer people don’t belong on the field.”
And smash it they have. The Kings finished second and third in their first two seasons in the IGR South Eastern League — a glittering debut for a team that didn’t even exist three years ago. Now they’re running taster sessions across Essex, boasting a beginners’ program called “Kings In Training,” and even launching an inclusive mixed-gender touch rugby team, Colchester Thunder RFC.
A Safe Haven In Cleats
Why does an LGBTQ+ rugby club matter? For Silverstone, the answer is personal and political: “So many of us stopped playing because of bullying or the fear of being judged for how we live our lives. Here, you can just play — without fear, without compromise.”
It’s a reality backed by grim statistics. Nearly half of LGBTQ+ people in the UK feel excluded from sports, and the absence of queer role models on professional teams only deepens the divide. But the Kings are working overtime to change that — attending local Pride events, promoting their mission on social media, and showing up as unapologetically queer athletes.
Thomas Empson, CEO of Essex LGBTQ+ charity The OutHouse, grew up during the dark days of Section 28 when even acknowledging queer lives was taboo. Watching the Kings flourish now? “It’s brilliant,” he says. “They’re showing kids that sport can be for them too.”
Tackling Hate With Community
For players like Max Ruddock and non-binary team member Ames Ling, the Kings offer more than fitness — they offer belonging. “I never thought rugby would be for me,” said Johnny Stroud, a player for both the Kings and the Thunder. “But I’ve caught the bug.”
Head coach Nick Bolton knows exactly why this team matters. “It’s not about sexuality,” he said. “It’s about creating a safe space. No judgment. No limits. Just rugby.”
In a world where LGBTQ+ people still face exclusion, the Colchester Kings are doing more than playing a game — they’re staging a revolution in cleats, one try at a time.
And in case anyone’s still wondering — yes, they can absolutely beat you on the field.