What is inclusive rugby and why is it thriving?

Sam Biscoe says he founded the Colchester Kings as he wanted a club that was representative of the LGBTQ+ community [Colchester Kings]When Sam Biscoe started a rugby team for players from the LGBTQ+ community in 2022, he braced himself for a modest turnout.Instead, about 30 people turned up for day one of training at Colchester Rugby Club in Essex, and the Colchester Kings became the first inclusive club in the East of England.Four years later, about 120 people are now associated with the club, including players, coaches and regular supporters, and it is a member of International Gay Rugby (IGR).

The Colchester Kings are now not alone in embracing inclusive rugby, with new teams forming in Essex and Norfolk, and on Saturday, the region's latest side is meeting for the first time in Cambridge.So what is inclusive rugby, and how do LGBTQ+ players feel about finding their spot on the pitch in the East?What is inclusive rugby?

Ross Barr-Hoyland is a trustee of International Gay Rugby [Ross Barr-Hoyland]According to IGR, its teams "provide opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy competitive rugby whilst improving respect and tolerance for people of all gender identities and sexualities worldwide".Ross Barr-Hoyland, a trustee of the organisation which was set up in 2000, says there are now about 150 inclusive clubs registered with IGR.The 37-year-old says it is important LGBTQ+ people are visible in sport, especially as there are currently no openly gay players in the top flight of English rugby union."

For now, we have to serve as those role models," he says. "I think that's what's beautiful about IGR clubs in general."Barr-Hoyland says many allies of the LGBTQ+ community also choose to join IGR teams because they prefer the culture compared to traditional rugby clubs.

The IGR says it has clubs across the UK and on six continents, but until 2022, there were no inclusive rugby teams in the East of England.That was until Biscoe, who previously played for th