Ahead of their big fundraising launch for their sexy nude 2014 calendar, gay rugby team the King’s Cross Steelers sent hench Tom Whittaker to talk to us both about the sport and what to expect on the night…
Tell us about the King’s Cross Steelers. How long have you guys been going for? Can anyone join?
I found out about ‘the Steelers’ (as we’re known) when I moved to London, I wanted to play rugby but as I had recently come out I wanted to have the camaraderie I had experienced at other rugby clubs while knowing that it wouldn’t matter that I’m gay. The Steelers were the first gay and inclusive rugby club in the world when the club was established back in 1995, and has been going strong for 18 years. We accept all players, no matter how you identify your sexuality, and all levels of ability. We also have a huge supporter base, so there are loads of ways you can get involved if you don’t feel that you want to take part in a game.
Great pics! What is this new calendar about? Are you supporting a charity?
Cheers, we’re thrilled with the way it turned out. The purpose of the calendar is to fundraise for the club to help us represent London in the 2014 Bingham Cup. The tournament comprises of gay rugby clubs from around the globe, and is the biggest non-professional rugby tournament in the world. It was held in Manchester last year, and is in Sydney next year, so needless to say we have a huge fundraising target to ensure we get a strong team over to Oz, and bring the Bingham Cup to London! The calendar is just one element of our fundraising efforts, so I’d encourage QX readers to like our Facebook page (Official Kings Cross Steelers RFC) to keep updated with our latest fundraising shenanigans.
What can we expect from the launch at Two Brewers? Any gratuitous nudity on behalf of the players? (We’re hoping!)
Haha, well that would be telling now wouldn’t it? The Two Brewers always put on a good show for us and we’re so pleased to have them sponsor a page in our calendar. There’s a great line-up of acts in the form of Miss Jason, La Voix and Sandra. Needless to say, it will be impossible to control them, so if you want to find out what happens and exactly what level of gratuitous nudity will be involved…You’ll have to come down and check it out!
How do people get involved with King’s Cross Steelers if they want to get into the sport of rugby?
Great question, the fantastic thing about the club is that we cater to all abilities. Our 1sts team offers highly competitive rugby in the Essex 2 league, through to our development squad which is aimed at those who are rusty or have never touched a rugby ball in their life. Because we have teams at different levels, you can go at whatever pace you want. As I said before, it’s not just about playing, supporters play a vital role in keeping the club running and raising the players spirits from the sidelines. If you want to get involved just send us an e-mail at [email protected], message us on our Facebook page, or even better… Pop to a game to meet the guys and we can answer any questions on the spot.
And finally, which rugby players would be in your personal favourite nude calendar?!
Oh that’s easy, all the rugby players in our amazing calendar of course!
• The King’s Cross Steelers calendar launch will be at The Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ on Sunday 3rd November, from 5pm onwards, entry £4 after 7pm. Entertainment from Miss Jason at 6pm, La Voix at 8.30pm and Sandra at 11pm.
Photos: felipetozzato.co.uk
