Colchester Kings go from strength to strength
Colchester Kings, East Anglia’s first gay and inclusive rugby team, has found success both on and off the field.
Sam Biscoe established the team in June 2022 with a focus on providing a supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ people to come and enjoy rugby.
He began by inviting prospective players to an initial taster session at Colchester RFC, which was a huge success. Numbers continued to grow throughout the summer, with their final taster session of the pre-season attracting over 70 players.
The team, who are based at Colchester RFC, train on Monday evenings through the winter, with 40 players on average turning up every week.
The Kings played their first-ever fixture in November against Colchester RFC’s 4th XV. Despite losing, Sam and the team viewed the game as a success as a big crowd cheered on the two sides.
He said: “Some of the Colchester players said they felt like they were playing an away match because of how loud the cheers were when Kings scored their first try. Off the back of the match, Colchester were very complimentary and this has led to us forming relationships with other clubs in the East looking for a game.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
As the Kings continue to build, they are already looking to the future, with big plans already in place.
“We’re planning to join the International Gay Rugby organisation, which will allow us to play in the Inclusive Rugby League with other clubs similar to ours,” continued Sam. “In 2023 we will be attending the Union Cup, the European cup for inclusive rugby, which is to be held this year in Birmingham. We hope to take two teams with us.”
The team’s growing popularity is evident in the number of players that have been drawn to it, and Sam is proud of the opportunities that setting up the Kings has provided for so many people.
“I’m reminded every week at training why I set this club up. It’s clear that giving people a place to come and take part in sport when they might not have had the opportunity before has a very positive impact on people. I’ve been watching this group of people grow, not only in skill, but in confidence.
“Many of our players have grown up believing that sport isn’t for them or that they didn’t belong in those environments. Now they are proving to themselves that they not only belong in team sports, but they can thrive.”
