The Kings Cross Steelers are about to embark upon our 29th season and our trailblazing Pathway to Rugby programme is due to kick off on 31st August, running until December.

This follows our successful Try Rugby days held in partnership with the East London Vixens, where we saw over 80 people come down to the club and take part.

Our Pathway to Rugby programme is now in its 10th iteration, having welcomed 100s of players to rugby and our community. We believe rugby should be for all - and there is no better time to start than now. You will be able to sign up from 12pm on Wednesday 21st August. See more information on this year’s Pathway below.

Head Coach of Pathway, Eden Hannan says:

“I am delighted to join with the club in celebrating ten years of the Pathway to Rugby with the opening of the 2024 cohort this Wednesday.

When I started the Pathway, the club was struggling to field two teams and we were looking for a way to introduce new players to rugby in a dedicated and focused way while creating a safe and fun environment.

We had no idea it would blossom into the phenomenon it is today becoming an integral part of our club. A club which now boasts getting four teams out on the pitch regularly. Each year the Pathway gets better and better as we evolve the programme following feedback and new ideas, including the involvement of the East London Vixens.

Over the last ten years, we have welcomed over 700 players through the programme, many progressing through the squads and playing for our 1st and 2nd XV. The players have developed friendships and networks that now extend beyond the rugby field as well as providing wider career and mental health support.

The Pathway programme has also been a good entry point for beginner coaches - developing themselves before taking the reins of another squad.

I look forward to the Pathway continuing to grow over the next ten.“

Pathway - key information:

Participants will train on Tuesday (19:00-20:30) and Saturday (12:30-14:00). Pathway to Rugby costs £85 and we limit entry to around 60-70 people. It is a programme designed to take you through the rugby basics, culminating in a match at the end.

The Steelers, Vixens and Pathway participants also have an invitation to go to Edinburgh for a rugby clinic - the dates are 17-20th October. This will be your first tour with the Steelers and it is always a fantastic trip. Other inclusive teams from around the UK join for a mixture of training and competitive games.

We do not want cost to be an impediment to enjoying rugby - if you are a student or have particular circumstances we should be aware of - please drop us an email at pathway@kxsrfc.com to come up with a plan that works for you.

Once you finish the Pathway, you can transfer to the Kings Cross Steelers or the East London Vixen's squads. Pathway players have gone on to represent the club in all our squads, including the 1st XV, with Pathway players representing the club in the recent squad who went to defend our Bingham Cup title in Rome.

You do not need any particular kit to start with - though over time, as the ground softens and we increase our contact training, you will need to get some rugby boots, a mouth guard and probably some warm and rugby specific clothing. We can talk you through the best options when you join us.