{"id":61206,"date":"2022-02-04T16:41:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-04T16:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=61206"},"modified":"2022-02-04T16:41:02","modified_gmt":"2022-02-04T16:41:02","slug":"wales-first-inclusive-rugby-team-hope-to-come-out-on-top-as-it-celebrates-18th-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2022\/02\/04\/wales-first-inclusive-rugby-team-hope-to-come-out-on-top-as-it-celebrates-18th-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Wales&#8217; first inclusive rugby team hope to come out on top as it celebrates 18th year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cardiff-lions-were-robbed-of-the-2020-title-when-the-season-was-cut-short-by-covid\">Cardiff Lions were robbed of the 2020 title when the season was cut short by Covid <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>CARDIFF Lions RFC, Wales&#8217; first LGBT+ inclusive rugby team, is hoping to win two league titles as the club celebrates its 18th birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The club, which is based at the Diamond Ground in Whitchurch, is hoping to win the first and second divisions of the UK International Gay Rugby Southern Leagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Lions, who are now one of three inclusive rugby teams in Wales, have a first team which currently lies second in a first division and a second team which is top of the second division. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first team has won three out of four matches in Div One so far and sit only two points behind the Berkshire Unicorns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chairman Gareth Waters, 34, from Porth, Rhondda, said: &#8220;Our success has come down to a lot of stability by getting a core group of players and keeping them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Pre-Covid we were top of the league and won every match but the season was cut short. We didn&#8217;t win a full season so we want to try and win the trophy outright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s unfinished business and I think there&#8217;s a really good chance we might win.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" title=\"Cardiff Lions chairman Gareth Waters praises the team for how they&#039;ve improved\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SJEXgRj3UJc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><noscript><iframe title=\"Cardiff Lions chairman Gareth Waters praises the team for how they&#039;ve improved\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SJEXgRj3UJc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Lions second team currently leads the Division 2 table with 20 points and has scored more than twice as much as any other team so far. This year is the first time the Lions have had a second team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recent results for the first team included 80-0 against the Bristol Bisons on January 15 and their second team won 43-7 on January 29 against the Reading Renegades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n-293x195.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/261117151_4278286532271006_5612695161528251298_n-293x195.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Cardiff Lions playing against Northhampton Outlaws in October 2021 where they won 68-0. Photo: Richard Lewis, Cardiff Lions RFC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Coach Hywel James, 24, from Bristol, said: &#8220;I&#8217;m definitely proud. We&#8217;ve had so many players who have literally just picked up a rugby ball this season. I take pride as a coach in being able to say I&#8217;ve  helped people improve.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr James says their inclusive approach to rugby is helping the club succeed. &#8220;It&#8217;s the absolute commitment, the team bonding, passion, friendship and family atmosphere that we have together,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>International Gay Rugby represents more than 60 clubs worldwide and aims to include more members of the LGBT+ community in the sport. The organisation represents both men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n-293x195.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/272400492_237066131957236_8070001688948517205_n-293x195.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Photo: Richard Lewis, Cardiff Lions RFC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-the-lions-are-helping-make-rugby-more-welcoming\">How the Lions are helping make rugby more welcoming<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Cardiff Lions currently have 80 members including 63 players, and accepts anyone into the team, regardless of whether or not they are part of the LGBT+ community. Around 30 to 40 of their current players had little to no experience before joining, according to Mr Waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two members, Jacob Pendrey, 30, from Heath, and Owen Willians, 24, of Sully, joined in August and October 2021 respectively. They said that despite being new to the club, they quickly settled in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve never played rugby before. I&#8217;m terrible at it but I still feel included. I wanted a challenge and I thought it would be good fun. The worst thing you can be in life is predictable,&#8221; said Mr Williams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr Pendrey said: &#8220;I had a negative view of sport from school \u2013 especially team sports \u2013 but a highlight for me has been playing against the Kings Cross Steelers. I was given Man of the Match which surprised me. It shows you don&#8217;t need to score to become a valued team member.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n-293x195.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/02\/248002286_755699642070986_3661371798122260316_n-293x195.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Many members said they joined the Lions because of the friendly and accepting atmosphere regardless of ability. Photo: Richard Lewis, Cardiff Lions RFC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr Waters said that despite rugby being more inclusive than other sports, teams like the Lions are still necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said: &#8220;It&#8217;s needed because people have grown up with this lad culture around rugby, but we provide that safe environment for people to be whoever they want to be.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We have players who were turned off at a young age because they realised they were gay and felt pushed away. But we also have straight players who also don&#8217;t feel they have a place there.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"639\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-1024x639.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-1024x639.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-770x481.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-1536x959.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-500x312.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-293x183.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-1400x874.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"639\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-1024x639.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-1024x639.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-770x481.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-1536x959.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-500x312.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-293x183.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography-1400x874.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Cardiff-Pride-Image-2-Tom-Bridge-Photography.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Cardiff is home to other inclusive sports teams including Cardiff Dragons, a football team.&nbsp;Image: Tom Bridge Photography, Cardiff Pride 2016.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The club is also looking to become more inclusive of transgender players, though it already has members who identify as non-binary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re still fighting for trans inclusion. Current WRU guidelines say that transgender players can only take part in touch tournaments and this is something we&#8217;re setting up now with a summer league,&#8221; said Mr Waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A highlight for Mr Waters has been seeing the second team improve over the season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s great to see the boys come together and grow in confidence each game. There&#8217;s no expectation or pressure for them to win,&#8221; he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s just about getting that game experience. People can join us by contacting our socials regardless of your current ability or whether you&#8217;ve ever played.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;All you need is to turn up with a willingness to get involved.&#8221;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CARDIFF Lions RFC, Wales&#8217; first LGBT+ inclusive rugby team, is hoping to win both UK IGR Southern Leagues as it turns 18 in March.<\/p>\n<p>The rugby club is part of International Gay Rugby (IGR) and is now one of three inclusive rugby teams in Wales. They are based at the Diamond Ground in Whitchurch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":732,"featured_media":61332,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4,89],"tags":[1291,7784,227,6402,2718,1015,5514,154,74,339],"coauthors":[7294],"class_list":["post-61206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-sport","category-whitchurch","tag-cardiff-2","tag-cardiff-lions","tag-community","tag-gay-inclusive-rugby","tag-inclusive","tag-lgbt","tag-lgbt-history-month","tag-rugby-2","tag-sport-2","tag-wales"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Wales&#039; first inclusive rugby team hope to come out on top as it celebrates 18th year - The Cardiffian<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2022\/02\/04\/wales-first-inclusive-rugby-team-hope-to-come-out-on-top-as-it-celebrates-18th-year\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Wales&#039; first inclusive rugby team hope to come out on top as it celebrates 18th year - The Cardiffian\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"CARDIFF Lions RFC, Wales&#039; first LGBT+ inclusive rugby team, is hoping to win both UK IGR Southern Leagues as it turns 18 in March. The rugby club is part of International Gay Rugby (IGR) and is now one of three inclusive rugby teams in Wales. 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