Our Special Recognition Award winners are the outstanding Kings Cross Steelers - the world’s first gay rugby team who have blazed a trail for inclusiveness and tolerance in sport.
In November 1995, six men were having a drink at a pub in King’s Cross. They felt excluded from rugby because of their sexuality, so they decided to set up their own club - the Kings Cross Steelers. Over the 24 years since they first began, the Steelers have grown from six to more than 300 players. The club is a member of the RFU, and works with different rugby associations to help stamp out homophobic language at matches.
The club also works at local and national level to challenge stereotypes and fight against homophobia in sport, while also helping set up other LGBT+ clubs across the UK.