Playing for pride

Generally speaking the reaction has been fantastic Peter Hopper

Opponents of the Kings Cross Steelers in Essex League 3 might be tempted to ditch the padding and headguards in anticipation of an easy game.

But if you think that Britain's first gay rugby side are a pushover, then you'd be sadly mistaken.

The team tackle every bit as hard as your usual rugby player, and contrary to popular opinion, there's no messing about in the scrums.

Set up in 1995, the Steelers now boast two teams and a membership that currently stands at over 150.

And while the chances of their making the Premiership may be slim, the club is determined to make its mark on the rugby world.

"People seem to think we just run about waving our arms and screaming," South African Jack Snyman told Rugby Special.

"That's simply not the case, although we don't take ourselves too seriously.

"This club is important because I don't think a lot of gay men get the chance to play rugby at school because they're often bullied.

Rugby Special: Sunday 27 Feb, BBC 2, 2405 Repeat: Wednesday 2 Mar, BBC 2, 1400

"What the Steelers are doing is giving them a chance to participate in competitive sport."

Kings Cross currently lie second bottom in Essex 3, but such is the competitive nature of the league that a couple of wins could see them rocket up the table.

Not that their ambition rests there - the club have a hectic touring schedule that has seen the team travel as far as San Francisco.

Hopes are high on the pitch - and off it - where many of the players see their role as one of changing people's perceptions.

"You do a get a bit of grief from some teams but I usually just blow them a kiss and then put in a big hit," hooker Peter Hopper told the programme.

"But generally speaking the reaction has been fantastic."

Watch our feature on Britain's gayest club on this Sunday's Rugby Special, BBC Two, 2405