Rugby is a truly international sport enjoying popularity on every continent. In the past decade the game has experienced a tremendous upsurge in interest within our community.

Nine years ago the first gay team was established in London, England: the Kings Cross Steelers. The first in North America was created three years later in Washington, D.C. There are now 20 teams the USA and Canada. The momentum is building and one of the newest teams is Muddy York right here in Toronto.

The strength of the English team (The Kings Cross Steelers) is such that for the first time a gay team is the league champions of a major sport, something to be proud of for all of us.

Rugby is about diversity and collaboration. In order to be successful, a team needs a variety of different types of physical skills, builds and abilities. Each player is crucial to the success of the team. Muddy York is reaching out to all those interested in trying out the game to see if they can have as much fun as we do.

Gay Rugby has caught on in several nations that The International Gay Rugby Association and Board (IGRAB) became a formalized network between the world's gay rugby clubs. IGRAB is dedicated to encouraging lesbians and gay men everywhere to play rugby.

Muddy York RFC is proud to be a member of IGRAB.

The Greater Toronto Area is home to many active Rugby Clubs. However, Muddy York RFC is the only gay rugby club in town.

Muddy York RFC is proud to be a member of the Toronto Rugby Union. Muddy York RFC is proud to represent Toronto and the gay community of Toronto.

Our name Muddy York represents the old name for the old city of York (now known as Toronto) and our team colours of blue and yellow are the colours of the City of Toronto coat of arms, as well as the colours of the Rugby School in Warwickshire, where the game was created in 1823.

Blue symbolizes tradition, loyalty, unity and strength, while yellow symbolizes success, athletic achievements and joy.

Members of Muddy York RFC get asked a lot of questions...

Do I need to have played Rugby before?
Muddy York RFC has members of all levels of play and experience, but the majority of our club is made up of inexperienced players who have been coming out weekly to learn, develop and be introduced to the game of Rugby. Our experienced players enjoy practices for the opportunity to play the game they enjoy, but also to support new members being introduced to the game.

Don't you need to be big to play Rugby?
Rugby is one of those sports where there is a position for any "body type". The forwards may be bigger than the backs, but you don’t need to be big to play. There is room for everyone to play on a team.

Do I have to be gay to join?
No. Muddy York RFC is open to all members regardless of sexual orientation who are willing to play and learn the game of Rugby and have fun in the process.

Is it too late to join?
Muddy York RFC encourages anyone interested in playing the game to come out to take part in practices. Our practices are open to both new and experienced players and supporters. We've even had members from other Rugby teams drop by and practice with us.

Can women play?
Yes! Though the Muddy York women's side is still in its infancy, women are welcome to join us at our practices and special events. Some IGRAB tournaments are coed and allow us to field a mixed-gender team. The TRU, however, requires that teams be segregated by sex for games.