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 and friendlies with other local clubs.
Sheffield Vulcans RUFC have played an active role in the LGBTQ+ scene of Sheffield since our very beginning. From raising money for local charities, supporting queer led organisations, and hosting the Unofficial Pride After Party in 2019, we love working with the wonderful people of Sheffield to spread the message of love, acceptance and inclusive.
We’ve even expanded our reach and celebrate at multiple Pride events across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
Following unprecedented growth and development during COVID, 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 inclusive rugby 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.
We’re always ready to welcome new members and increase the ranks of Sheffield Vulcans. It doesn’t matter if you’ve not played for years, or never played at all, all you need to be a Vulcan is the right attitude!
The Committee
The Vulcans is run as a voluntary organisation. There are a number of individuals who are working to promote The Vulcans, the club’s values and to build a stronger inclusive community through Sport in South Yorkshire.