One sunny Saturday in 2017 at Sheffield Pride, representatives from International Gay Rugby (IGR) set up a stall to see if there was interest setting up an LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby club in Sheffield.
A few weeks later and the Sheffield Vulcans were born!
We’ll never forget our very first session at Endcliffe Park with 12 eager people, most of which had never played rugby before!
Since then, we’ve come a long way from a dozen people in a public park. We’re proud to have become a well known part of the Sheffield Rugby community, partnering with Stocksbridge Rugby Club for our home base.
Sheffield Vulcans RUFC have played an active role in the LGBTQ+ community in Sheffield since our very beginning. From raising money for local charities and supporting queer led organisations, we love working with the wonderful people of Sheffield to spread the message of love, acceptance and inclusivity.
We’ve even expanded our reach and celebrate at multiple Pride events across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, inclusing Barnsley, Doncaster and Chesterfield Pride.
In 2021 we entered our first ever league. The IGR Northern League 1 presented a challenge for our members and helped us build friendships across other IGR clubs. Our hard work paid off and we were honoured to be named IGR Northern League 1 champions with an undefeated season!
Since Summer 2023, we have launched our own Touch Rugby team, and are actively taking part in different events such as the IGR Touch Series League, IGR Festival of Touch and Touch My Brum competitions. In Summer 2025, the Vulcans’ Touch Team came in Fourth place in their inaugural season of the IGR League.
The Vulcans are proud to be members of International Gay Rugby, Yorkshire RFU and England Touch Association.
For larger events, including international tournaments, the Vulcans’ join forces with other IGR teams across Yorkshire – forming the Yorkshire Roses.
We’re always ready to welcome new members. It doesn’t matter if you’ve not played for years, or never played at all, there is a place for you at the Vulcans!
The Vulcans are proud to be members of International Gay Rugby, Yorkshire RFU and England Touch Association.
