On 13th April the Kings Cross Steelers host the International Gay Rugby (IGR) UK League Finals at the Steelers Stadium in West Ham.

Tonight, 12th April, sees the activities launch at Two Brewers, Clapham with Ruggercub: IGR Welcome. Saturday’s activities start in West Ham from 11am with a full bar, food stalls, and activities. Games kick-off at midday with a full timetable below.

The weekend is the culmination of the IGR UK Leagues with four finals games and teams travelling from across England and Wales to participate. The day also features the IGR UK Barbarians, with players from across the leagues coming together to play in the Simon Dunn Memorial Match and Trophy.

The event features support from this season’s club sponsors UBS, McGill and Partners, and Two Brewers, alongside Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Harlequins, Veo Sports Cameras, and more. Activities on the day will be supporting Steelers’ charity partners Terrence Higgins Trust and Looseheadz.

Premiership Rugby referee Craig Maxwell-Keys, who has also taken charge of European games, will officiate the Championship Cup Final between the Berkshire Unicorns and Sheffield Vulcans (kick off at 15:00).

Gallagher Premiership Rugby continues to support IGR following the first-ever league-wide Pride Round in January with prizes for match-winners and raffle draw. The winning teams from the IGR Merit Cup Final and IGR Championship Cup Final will be given a ‘money can’t buy’ prize: the chance to be a part of the game build-up at Twickenham for the Premiership Final on 8th June. A number of players will be invited to represent their club whilst taking part in the giant jersey presentation and waving the Pride Progress flag, alongside the parade of club flags.

Harlequins, as the Official Inclusion Partner Club to the Kings Cross Steelers, have donated their inflatable ball cage and several raffle prizes. Come down and test your ball skills for a chance to win a signed Harlequins Pride Jersey and raise money for our partner charities.

Activities across the day will be supporting Kings Cross Steelers’ partner charities. Terrence Higgins Trust has the mission to end new cases of HIV by 2030, while Looseheadz aims to place a mental health lead at every rugby club. These charities will be supported by donations to test passing skills, from public and player donations during the Barbarians game, and our raffle.

There is a fantastic range of prizes from the raffle, only available in person on the day. Prizes include:

• Gallagher Premiership Final Tickets at Twickenham on 8th June
• Signed Guinness Six Nations England Shirt
• Signed Harlequins Pride Supporters Jersey
• Signed Premiership Rugby Jerseys, including Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers
• Looseheadz Stripes Rainbow Tee
• Many more, including more rugby prizes, chocolate, gift sets, and vouchers!

All of the proceeds from the Barbarians game go to the two partner charities, while monies from the raffle and ball cage are split between the two partner charities and Kings Cross Steelers.

East End Electric will also be hosting the IGR Summer Touch Series from midday, featuring The London Stags, Clapham Feelers, Reading Renegades, and Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents. Track their progress here .

Rezon and Veo Sports Cameras will be in attendance on the day.

Timetable of Weekend Events

Friday 12th April
19:00 - Ruggercub: IGR Welcome with Mary Mac and Martha D’Arthur at Two Brewers, Clapham

Saturday 13th April
11:00 - Club bar and grounds open to spectators
12:00 onwards - IGR Southern Summer Touch Series with East End Electric
12:30 - Cardiff Lions v Manchester Village Spartans II (Challenger Cup Final)
12:30 - Bristol Bisons v Typhoons (Championship Plate)
13:10 - IGR UK Barbarians play the Simon Dunn Memorial Match
13:15 - Plymouth Dolphins v Northampton Outlaws (Merit Cup Final)
15:00 - Berkshire Unicorns v Sheffield Vulcans (Championship Cup Final)
16:45 - Trophy presentations, raffle draw, and entertainment
20:00 - Celebratory drinks begin in Soho