London to host 2009 gay rugby cup

East London rugby club Kings Cross Steelers have won the right to host the 2009 European gay rugby Union Cup.

The Steelers are the current champions and will welcome more than 17 teams in May next year.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, said: "The tournament will provide a platform to introduce lesbian and gay sport to new audiences."

The first Union Cup was held in 2005 in Montpellier, France and then in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2007.

Steelers events manager Neil Pyper said: "As the world's first gay rugby team, now in our 13th year, we are eager to encourage new and experienced teams alike, and look forward to inviting European gay rugby teams to come to our great city next year."

The tournament will be held on 22 and 23 May 2009, at the club's West Ham ground.

The Steelers were the world's first gay rugby club when they formed in 1995.