Explore every episode of the podcast The Gay Rugby Podcast

Why Tokyo’s LGBTQ+ Rugby Club Struggles to Recruit Japanese Players We sat down with Daniel, founder of the Tsurumi Brats, during the 2026 Bingham Cup in Brisbane, Australia, to talk about the unique challenges of building an LGBTQ+ rugby community in Japan.

Tsurumi Brats are a Tokyo-based inclusive rugby club, and Daniel explains why Japanese and foreign rugby communities have often remained separate, the challenges of recruiting Japanese players, and how language and cultural differences can make it difficult to bring the two communities together.

Despite having a large international player base, Tsurumi Brats are working to create more connections between Japanese and foreign players and build a rugby community where everyone can play together.

We talk about gay rugby in Japan, LGBTQ+ rugby, Tokyo rugby, Japanese rugby culture, recruiting Japanese players, foreign rugby players in Japan, and the challenges of building an inclusive rugby club.

Filmed during the Bingham Cup Brisbane 2026, the world's largest international celebration of inclusive rugby, where teams from around the world came together to compete and connect. Tsurumi Brats represented Tokyo and Japan on the international stage.

What happens when straight men join a gay rugby team?We sat down in Brisbane with James Morey, president and captain of the Sydney Convicts, to talk about why straight men are choosing gay rugby, what makes an LGBTQ+ rugby team different, and why the Convicts have become one of the biggest names in inclusive rugby.James has been playing rugby since he was eight and joined the Sydney Convicts in 2016. Nearly a decade later, he's leading the club both on and off the field and he's got a pretty good perspective on what makes a gay rugby club work.We get into what it was like joining the Convicts after playing traditional rugby, the freedom of being able to be yourself on the pitch, and why gay rugby teams aren't just for gay players. James explains why having straight players and allies is important to the club, and why some straight men simply don't connect with the macho culture that can surround traditional rugby.We also go deep on the history of the Sydney Convicts, Australia's first gay and inclusive rugby union club, the growth of gay rugby in Australia, the Bingham Cup, and how the global LGBTQ rugby community has grown into something much bigger than any one team.Plus: the biggest misconception about gay rugby, the Convicts' infamous reputation for playing hard and partying hard, their pathway program for people who've never played rugby before, their five Bingham Cup titles, and what it's like trying to manage more than 100 players at the world's biggest inclusive LGBTQ+ rugby tournament.This episode was filmed in Brisbane during Bingham Cup 2026.If you've ever wondered what gay rugby is actually like, how gay rugby clubs work, whether straight men can play LGBTQ rugby, or why someone would choose an inclusive rugby team over a traditional club, this conversation is for you.

The Lorikeets are Australia's indigenous gay rugby teamWe came to Brisbane for the Bingham Cup 2026 and ended up sitting down with Darren from the First Nations Lorikeets: a brand-new rugby club creating something that didn’t exist before in Australian gay rugby.The Lorikeets are an LGBTQ+ rugby team for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, built around culture, community, visibility and creating a space where players can actually feel like they belong.And Darren has a pretty powerful reason for being part of it.Years ago, he was asked to play for the Sydney Convicts but said no because he didn’t feel safe in that space. Now, 14 years later, he’s playing rugby with the Lorikeets at the Bingham Cup in Brisbane.We talk about why First Nations rugby matters, what it means to create a culturally safe space for LGBTQ+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, and why representation in gay rugby clubs has to be more than simply saying “everyone is welcome.”We also get into the Lorikeets’ first year, how the team came together from players across Australia, their connection to community, their plans for the future, and what they hope this team can mean to the next generation of queer First Nations players.Recorded in Brisbane during the Bingham Cup 2026.If you’re into gay rugby, LGBTQ+ sports, inclusive rugby, First Nations rugby, or just want to understand more about the people and stories behind the Bingham Cup, this one is worth watching.Subscribe for more conversations about gay rugby, LGBTQ+ sports, rugby culture and the people who make this community what it is.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaViews and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club

We sat down with comedian and actor Chris Grace to talk about something that, on the surface, seems pretty simple: is rugby actually worth getting hurt for?Chris has broken both of his ring fingers, dislocated a rib, broken his arm and developed arthritis in his knees from playing tighthead prop. And yet, when we asked if he regrets it, his answer was pretty definitive: no.That led us into a much bigger conversation about why people keep coming back to rugby even when it hurts. Chris talks about the nerves and adrenaline before a match, the strange emotional attachment that comes with playing on a team, and why gay rugby became such a transformative part of his life.We also got into his acting career, including his time on Superstore, and whether he ever worried that playing rugby could interfere with his work as an actor. Spoiler: he wasn't particularly worried about getting injured until he actually got injured.Chris has also experienced one of the biggest moments in LGBTQ+ rugby firsthand: winning the Bingham Cup. He talks about what that victory meant to him, why he broke down crying after losing the following year, and how rare it is to feel that emotionally connected to something in everyday life.Along the way, we talk about gay rugby, playing against straight teams, rugby culture, competition, community, and why the sport has become so much more than just what happens on the pitch.This is Episode 60 of the Gay Rugby Podcast.Subscribe for more conversations about gay rugby, LGBTQ+ sports, rugby culture and the people who make this community what it is.

On the second day of the Bingham Cup, we casually spotted the Brisbane Hustlers' mascot.The Hustlers were hosting the tournament, and we knew exactly what the mascot game was about. We started thinking about whether we could get close enough to steal it. Then we noticed there were children around. And a dog. And while we really wanted the mascot, we didn't particularly want to be responsible for an international rugby incident.Then, almost perfectly timed, a message went out to everyone at the tournament: mascots were banned.The reason? Police had been called after a fight over one of the mascots, and the long-running Bingham Cup tradition had apparently crossed a line.So we brought it up with the Emerald Warriors.In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we sit down with Gary and Maz from Dublin's Emerald Warriors RFC during the 2026 Bingham Cup in Brisbane. We get into the mascot controversy, including the incident involving an Emerald Warriors player at the 2024 Bingham Cup in Rome, and why the club's reputation seems to have followed them to Australia.From there, the conversation turns to the history of the Emerald Warriors, founded in Dublin in 2003 and now home to more than 250 members. We talk about how the club has grown, the development of its women's team, and what an LGBTQ+ rugby club can offer people who may never have felt completely at home in traditional rugby.The Warriors also talk about their bid to host the 2028 Bingham Cup in Dublin why they wanted it, what hosting the tournament could mean for the club, and what they learned from hosting the 2019 Union Cup.We get into their international rugby history, beating the Sydney Convicts in Rome, winning the 2025 Union Cup, the more chaotic side of Emerald Warriors tours, and the story behind a motivational speech that eventually resulted in 14 players getting matching tattoos.Recorded in Brisbane during the 2026 Bingham Cup

For this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack and Ozzie flew from Los Angeles to New Orleans for less than 24 hours to experience Swamp Romp, one of the biggest weekends in gay rugby. We landed, grabbed our gear, spent the day playing rugby, filmed interviews from the sidelines between matches, and caught one of the most unexpectedly hilarious conversations of the weekend.Jack and Ozzie laced up with Round Rock Ruckus RFC from the Austin, Texas area and Jack even crossed the try line before sitting down with one of the team's most unforgettable personalities, Ziploc, to answer a question we'd been hearing all weekend: What is a demon twink?What starts as a conversation about twinks in rugby quickly turns into a much bigger discussion about LGBTQ+ sports, body image, eating disorder recovery, Ozempic, toxic relationships, and why the international gay rugby community is unlike any other. The best part is that none of it was planned. This episode was filmed right on the sidelines while matches were still going on. You'll see players warming up behind us, hear the whistles throughout the interview, and at one point play comes to a stop because someone gets injured just a few yards away. It perfectly captures the energy of a rugby tournament.Then we made the mistake we'll never live down.We left New Orleans that same night to fly back to Los Angeles, only to find out after we landed that Jennifer Coolidge had shown up to the Swamp Romp after-party. We spent months joking that we should've skipped the flight.

Who should host the Bingham and Amanda Mark Cup Rugby Tournament in 2028?Subscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast! https://shorturl.at/OztS0The race to host the Bingham Cup 2028 is officially underway, and the competition is fiercer than ever. In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we dive into all six official Bingham Cup 2028 bids to answer one question: Which city should host the world's premier LGBTQ rugby tournament?From the historic rugby culture of Dublin and Leeds to the accessibility of Orlando, the organization promised by Perth, the vibrant energy of Vancouver, and the cultural significance of Querétaro, Mexico, every bid tells a different story about the future of inclusive rugby. We react to each campaign, break down the strengths and weaknesses of every proposal, and debate what really makes a great Bingham Cup host city. Is it world-class rugby facilities? Affordable travel? Incredible nightlife? Or is the tournament at its best when it introduces players to entirely new cultures and communities?Along the way, we revisit the legacy of Mark Bingham, explore how the Bingham Cup has grown into one of the largest rugby tournaments in the world, and reflect on why International Gay Rugby (IGR) continues to create opportunities for athletes to compete, travel, and build community across the globe. Whether you've been playing gay rugby for years or you're just discovering the sport, this conversation is about much more than choosing a destination. It's about what kind of future we want for LGBTQ sports, international rugby, and the global rugby community.We also react to each city's promotional campaign, discuss rugby travel, accessibility, affordability, and the unique identity each destination would bring to the tournament. By the end of the episode, we each make our pick for who we think deserves to host Bingham Cup 2028.So now we want to hear from you. Which bid has your vote: Dublin, Leeds, Orlando, Perth, Querétaro, or Vancouver? Tell us why in the comments. We'd love to hear your perspective, whether you're an IGR player, a longtime rugby supporter, or simply passionate about the future of inclusive sports.This episode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/

Should kink be allowed at Pride? It's one of the biggest debates in the LGBTQ+ community and we're diving into it without holding back.In Episode 54 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna celebrate Pride Month while tackling some of the most controversial conversations happening in queer culture today. From leather culture and pup play to family-friendly Pride events, LGBTQ+ history, sports, and visibility, we explore where Pride has been, where it's headed, and why these conversations matter.We discuss whether fetish gear belongs at Pride, the role of leather and kink in LGBTQ+ history, how Pride evolved from a protest into a global celebration, and why understanding queer history is more important than ever. We also talk about representation in sports, the Los Angeles Dodgers Pride Night controversy, LGBTQ+ inclusion in rugby, corporate Pride, and whether younger generations fully understand what previous generations fought to achieve.This episode isn't about telling you what to think-it's about asking difficult questions, hearing different perspectives, and starting meaningful conversations within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Along the way, we debate whether Pride is still a protest, if kink and leather should remain visible at Pride events, how queer athletes are changing sports culture, what true allyship looks like, and why LGBTQ+ visibility continues to matter in 2026.Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, a rugby fan, or simply curious about the future of Pride, we'd love to hear your perspective. Drop a comment below and join the conversation.This epsiode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast. Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations about LGBTQ+ culture, rugby, Pride, and queer life.

What started as a lighthearted attempt to call out our guest quickly turned into one of the most honest conversations we've had on the Gay Rugby Podcast.This week, we're joined by Big Dipper, co-host of the Sloppy Seconds podcast, musician, comedian, and one of the most recognizable voices in queer media. We finally confront him about comments he made regarding gay rugby, but what follows is a much bigger conversation about community, identity, belonging, and the complicated relationship gay men have with each other.Along the way, we dive into bear culture, LGBTQ representation, queer creators, social media burnout, gay dating, inclusive sports, and why it can sometimes feel harder to find acceptance within the LGBTQ community than outside of it. Big Dipper shares stories from his career, talks about building a successful LGBTQ podcast, reflects on his experiences in queer spaces, and opens up about the insecurities that can persist even after years of success. One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation centers on a question that many gay men have asked themselves at one point or another: why do we seem so willing to celebrate each other from a distance, but struggle to support one another up close? It's a conversation about queer identity, community dynamics, internalized homophobia, and the challenges that come with creating authentic LGBTQ content in an increasingly crowded digital world.We also talk about gay rugby culture, LGBTQ athletes, bear community stereotypes, creator life, online criticism, queer music, mental health, and what it means to carve out a place for yourself in modern gay culture.If you've ever felt like an outsider in your own community, wondered why LGBTQ spaces can sometimes feel divided, or questioned where you fit into the broader queer world, this episode will probably hit close to home.The Gay Rugby Podcast explores LGBTQ sports, queer culture, travel, dating, relationships, mental health, and the stories that bring our community together. Hosted by Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna, each episode features candid conversations, unexpected perspectives, and plenty of laughs along the way.Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: https://friend-of-dorothy.com/Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club

Do Rugby Teams Shower Together? Comedian Joseph Schles joins The Gay Rugby Podcast!Subscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast! https://shorturl.at/OztS0Most people who have never played rugby have the same question: do rugby teams actually shower together after a match?After a recent trip to Barcelona, Jack finally has an answer.In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack and Ozzie unpack what it was like stepping onto the pitch with a rugby club in Barcelona, navigating the language barrier, experiencing a different rugby culture, and finding out firsthand which rugby stereotypes are true and which are complete nonsense.Joining the conversation is comedian Joseph Lesch, whose career has taken him from comedy clubs to performing for thousands of LGBTQ+ travelers aboard Atlantis Events cruises. Together they trade stories about sports, travel, body confidence, queer community, and the strange social dynamics that happen when a bunch of sweaty rugby players head for the locker room after a match.Part rugby story, part travel diary, and part comedy hang, this episode offers an inside look at a side of rugby culture that most people never get to see.Subscribe for new episodes of the Gay Rugby Podcast, where rugby, comedy, travel, and LGBTQ+ culture collide.This epsiode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club

Has queer visibility gone too far? In Episode 51 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, queer pop artist Zee Machine joins us for an honest conversation about LGBTQ visibility, representation in media, and whether increased visibility has helped the community or made LGBTQ people a bigger target in today's political climate.Zee Machine shares his journey growing up in Hong Kong, discovering music, and building a career as an openly queer artist. We discuss the privilege of growing up in a supportive family, how acceptance shaped his confidence, and why he's never felt the need to hide who he is. Zee also reflects on his experiences playing rugby as a teenager and how sports, identity, and self-expression intersect.From queer media representation and LGBTQ rights to music, culture, and authenticity, this episode explores some of the biggest questions facing the queer community today.Subscribe for more conversations about LGBTQ culture, rugby, sports, entertainment, and queer life.Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: https://friend-of-dorothy.com/Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club

Why do gay men love bald, grumpy guys? On Episode 50 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we sit down with Emmy-nominated filmmaker, artist, and content creator Marquis the Honeybear to unpack attraction, confidence, masculinity, body politics, and the psychology behind “types” in gay dating culture.Marquise the Honeybear is known for blending comedy, queer storytelling, and conversations around Black queer identity, body positivity, nightlife culture, and self-expression. He’s also the writer, director, and star of the upcoming film “Ornithomancy,” a bold new independent project exploring queer identity and human connection.In this episode, we debate why bald men are so attractive, whether “grumpy guy energy” is secretly hot, and the difference between confidence and bitterness. We also get into body politics in the LGBTQ+ community, beauty standards, attraction psychology, queer masculinity, dating preferences, self-image, and how gay men navigate desirability and authenticity.We also discuss why certain personality traits become attractive, how confidence changes the way people are perceived, and why knowing exactly who you are can be more attractive than trying to please everyone.The Gay Rugby Podcast explores queer culture, LGBTQ+ identity, sports, masculinity, dating, nightlife, body image, and the conversations happening inside the gay community right now.

This episode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/

Gay rugby players play would you rather on the latest podcast episode! Subscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast! https://shorturl.at/OztS0In Episode 49 of The Gay Rugby Podcast, a group of gay rugby players sit down to play Would You Rather and it gets honest fast. What starts as a simple game turns into a series of uncomfortable choices, unexpected takes, and moments that say more than anyone planned to reveal.This episode is exactly what it sounds like: gay rugby players answering tough, funny, and occasionally chaotic questions on mic, with no real way to dodge them. It’s a look at how these guys think when the answers actually matter—or at least feel like they do in the moment.Recorded for The Gay Rugby Podcast, this one leans into quick reactions, real opinions, and the kind of conversations that come out when you stop overthinking and just answer the question.Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: https://friend-of-dorothy.com/Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie Luna

What is a “Side” | Gay dating terminology explained by gay rugby playersThis episode starts with a question that’s been showing up more in dating conversations and apps lately: what does it actually mean to be a “side”? We break down the basics of “top,” “bottom,” and the newer term “side,” which refers to guys who are into intimacy, but don’t include bottom or top in what they want.We talk about labels, communication, and where preference ends and misunderstanding begins.Is being a side selfish? Or is that just what it looks like when people aren’t familiar with the term yet? At the end of the day, it’s about how people define themselves—and how we talk about what we want without judgment.
This epsiode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/

Michael Henry on why Gay Culture is a delicate ecosystemSubscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast! https://shorturl.at/OztS0What happens if you try to delete part of gay culture and who actually gets to decide what stays?In Episode 47 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, recorded in Los Angeles, we sit down with comedian Michael Henry and pull on that thread. What starts as a simple question turns into a wide-open conversation about how gay culture actually works right now, less like a clean narrative and more like a living ecosystem, where everything from gay dating apps to nightlife, from therapy language to hookup culture, is connected whether people like it or not.We talk about what’s shaping modern gay relationships in 2026, and why gay dating culture still revolves around apps like Grindr even as more people burn out on them. Grindr culture has made connection instant, but also disposable, and that tension shows up in everything from how people present themselves to the biggest unspoken lies people tell on dating apps. At the same time, there’s a quiet shift happening; cruising culture and real-life interaction are creeping back in, as people start looking for something that feels less curated and more immediate.Language plays its own role in all of this. Gay slang evolves fast, and terms like “trade” don’t mean what they used to. What once described a specific type now floats somewhere between identity and attraction, reflecting how fluid gay identity has become. That same fluidity shows up in how people think about themselves, especially with the rise of therapy culture in the LGBTQ community, where self-awareness, boundaries, and “doing the work” are part of everyday conversation, for better or worse.Then there’s the visual side of it. Body image in gay culture is still front and center, especially in cities like LA, where the pressure to look a certain way hasn’t gone anywhere; it’s just evolved. Whether it’s gym culture, cosmetic tweaks, or the way people curate themselves online, there’s a constant push and pull between authenticity and performance.All of it feeds into a bigger question about cancel culture in LGBTQ spaces. If something feels toxic, outdated, or fake, should it be removed? Or does taking one piece out of the equation change everything else? The more we dig into it, the clearer it becomes that gay culture isn’t built to be simplified. It’s messy, contradictory, and constantly evolving—and that might be the point.Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: https://friend-of-dorothy.com/Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club

What does it mean when you don’t believe in God, but still find yourself asking for forgiveness anyway? In this episode of The Gay Rugby Podcast, comedian Matt LeGrand joins the conversation to talk about spending 20 years as a missionary, unpacking religion, identity, and what happens when belief systems start to fall apart but the habits remain.They get into religious conditioning, guilt, sexuality, and the strange ways those early teachings stick with you long after you’ve moved on. It’s a conversation about faith, deconstruction, and the lingering voice of conscience that doesn’t always match what you believe anymore. And what does rugby have to do with spirituality? A mix of comedy and honesty about where you come from, and what it takes to unlearn it.

Episode 45 of the Gay Rugby Podcast gets into a side of queer culture that people see online all the time but rarely hear explained by the people actually living it.

We sat down with Pup Odie and Pup Hex, both rugby players, to talk about what pup play really is and how they found their way into the pup community. The conversation starts simple — what is pup play, what does puppy play actually mean — but it quickly turns into something more personal. They talk about the first time putting on a pup mask, the confidence that can come with it, and why anonymity can feel freeing instead of hiding.

We also get into how someone new might approach it. What “pup play for beginners” actually looks like, how people find others, and what it means to be part of a gay pup community in real life, not just online. There’s a lot of misunderstanding around it, especially when people compare pup play vs furry, so we take the time to break that down in a way that actually makes sense.

Like most things we talk about on the podcast, it’s less about labels and more about why people are drawn to it. For some it’s about identity, for others it’s about connection, and for a lot of guys it’s just a way to step out of their own head for a bit.

If you’ve ever searched what is puppy play, been curious about pup hoods, or wondered how people get involved in the pup community, this is a real conversation with people who are actually in it.

The Gay Rugby Podcast is Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.

A year ago, we sat down to record the first episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast without really knowing what it would become.Twelve months later, we found ourselves in Boston for the NORAM Cup, in New Orleans for Swamp Romp, at LA 7s during Pride weekend, and in Palm Springs with a camera bag, a couple microphones, and a growing list of people we were lucky enough to meet along the way.Episode 44 is us looking back at that first year. We talk about the weekends that got out of hand, the interviews we still can’t believe happened, the people who started as guests and ended up as friends, and the strange reality that this little rugby podcast somehow turned into a reason to travel, meet people from around the world, and keep saying yes to things.There are stories from Boston bars after the NORAM Cup, late nights in New Orleans during Swamp Romp, and the chaos of trying to cover LA 7s while everybody we knew seemed to be there at once. Somewhere between all of that, the podcast stopped being just about rugby and became a record of the people, places, and community that came with it.Thanks for being part of the first year.New episodes every week.

Drag Queen La Mama Dora opens up about her past playing rugby, long before she was going viral on TikTok as a chaotic, hilarious take on Dora the Explorer. In this episode, La Mama Dora tells the story of how a former club rugby player became one of the internet’s favorite drag queens, building an audience through drag TikTok, LGBTQ comedy, and her now-iconic Dora impression.We talk about what it was like growing up, finding confidence through rugby, and eventually finding her real community through queer nightlife and drag culture. La Mama Dora explains how she started making TikTok videos, why her Dora character took off, and how going viral changed her life. Along the way, we get into drag queen origin stories, coming out, queer friendship, chosen family, and meeting Ozzy for the first time.Of course, we also settle the debate nobody saw coming: is rugby actually safer than drag? After years of playing club rugby, La Mama Dora says the only thing that ever seriously injured her was performing in drag. She opens up about breaking her shoulder, why drag performance can be more intense than people think, and why she still believes rugby is less dangerous than a night in heels.If you’re into drag queens, rugby stories, TikTok creators, queer podcasts, LGBTQ interviews, viral internet personalities, club rugby, gay athletes, drag culture, coming out stories, queer comedy, Los Angeles drag, gay sports, or behind-the-scenes stories about going viral on TikTok, this episode is for you.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaEmpowered by Friend of Dorothy:Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.Connect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Follow and support La Mama Dora: https://linktr.ee/LaMamaDoraxViews and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club

Bradley Johnson is about to have a very public week. With Hulu’s new reality dating show Love Overboard set to drop, his audience is getting a lot bigger and a lot more curious about what he’s been posting online.In this episode, we sit down with Bradley in the middle of that moment. What starts as a conversation about fitness content quickly turns into something else: a look at how certain audiences find creators, and what happens when those creators realize exactly who’s watching. The “gainer community” has been showing up in his comments, his DMs, and his numbers. The question is whether that’s coincidence, algorithm, or something more intentional.We get into where people draw the line between queerbaiting and just playing the game, and whether that line even exists anymore. Bradley talks about going viral, what kind of attention actually translates into money, and how aware you have to be of your audience once things start to take off. It’s messy in a way that feels honest less about calling anyone out, more about understanding how the internet works when it’s at its most specific.There’s also the reality TV angle. Love Overboard: Hulu’s new dating show set on a yacht, somewhere between chaos and strategy adds another layer to all of this. Timing matters, and right now Bradley’s at the intersection of online attention and mainstream exposure.If you’ve been seeing this kind of content pop up more and more, you’re not imagining it. The internet is getting more targeted, more self-aware, and harder to separate from the people trying to figure it out in real time.Watch Love Overboard on Hulu and decide for yourself.

Every gay guy who’s spent time on Grindr has seen it, the bios that immediately make you pause, laugh, or close the app. In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna talk through some of the worst things people put in their Grindr bios, the profile lines that have somehow become normal on gay dating apps, and the small details that turn a profile into an instant red flag.The conversation drifts into catfish scams on Grindr and other dating apps, something both of them say they’re seeing more often. Fake profiles, strange messages, and the moment when a normal conversation suddenly turns into someone asking for money. If you’ve spent time on gay hookup apps or dating apps for gay men, you’ve probably seen the pattern.The episode also includes a recap of Swamp Romp 2026 in New Orleans, a weekend that brings together teams from across the gay rugby community for a tournament and a lot of time off the field. While in New Orleans, Jack and Ozzie linked up with players from Round Rock Rugby, Austin’s LGBTQ-inclusive rugby team, and spent the weekend around the broader inclusive rugby scene.New Orleans has its own inclusive rugby presence as well with teams like the Crescent City Rougaroux, an LGBTQ-inclusive rugby club founded in 2017 that focuses on building community through the sport.The episode moves between tournament stories, travel, dating app culture, and the overlap between gay sports culture and the realities of modern gay dating. It’s a mix of rugby stories, Grindr observations, and the kind of conversations that happen after a tournament weekend when everyone’s back from the pitch and scrolling their phones again.Empowered by Friend of Dorothyhttps://www.friendofdorothy.comSubscribe for more episodes of the Gay Rugby Podcast covering gay rugby, LGBTQ athletes, gay sports culture, and the conversations that happen around the sport.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club

In Episode 40 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna face off in a Heated Rivalry Heads Up challenge. The game is simple: guess the name on the screen before the timer runs out. In reality, it turns into chaotic clues, missed guesses, and plenty of rugby banter.The challenge is inspired by the popularity of Heated Rivalry, the bestselling sports romance novel by Rachel Reid from the Game Changers book series. The story follows rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, whose on-ice rivalry evolves into a secret relationship that became a massive hit with fans of queer sports romance.In the TV adaptation of Heated Rivalry, Hudson Williams plays Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie plays Ilya Rozanov, bringing the iconic hockey rivalry to life on screen.While Jack and Ozzie are rugby players instead of hockey players, the competitive energy of a heated rivalry between athletes definitely translates. This Heated Rivalry Heads Up game turns that concept into a fast-paced guessing challenge where the clues aren’t always helpful and the competition gets ridiculous.The Gay Rugby Podcast explores gay rugby, LGBTQ athletes in sports, and the culture around inclusive rugby. Sometimes that means serious conversations about rugby and identity, and sometimes it’s games like this Heated Rivalry challenge.Watch the full episode to see who wins the Heated Rivalry Heads Up challenge.

On Friday, March 27th, at the Swamp Romp Rugby Tournament in New Orleans, we recorded this episode live on the ground as the conversation around USA Rugby’s new gender eligibility policy unfolded in real time. USA Rugby has updated its transgender athlete policy, creating a new competitive structure that effectively removes trans women from the Women’s Division and shifts participation into an open framework.

In this episode, we break down who this policy impacts, what actually changed, and why it matters for players and clubs across the country. What does this mean for women’s rugby participation? How will the new open division function in practice? Where do trans athletes fit within competitive rugby moving forward? And why did this decision land now?

Our guest for this conversation is trans woman and rugby player Jacqueline Congdon. She shares perspective from inside the sport and what these policy shifts mean for athletes directly affected. The episode is hosted by Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna, recorded in community alongside players and tournament attendees who are navigating this change in real time.We also look at how organizations like International Gay Rugby have responded by reaffirming commitments to transgender and non-binary inclusion in rugby spaces. That contrast highlights the broader debate around inclusion in sport, competitive balance, and governance.This conversation explores transgender rugby policy updates, gender eligibility rules, and how national decisions ripple down to local clubs and tournaments. It’s not about taking headlines at face value - it’s about understanding what the policy says, how it’s being interpreted, and what happens next for the rugby community.

This episode is sponsored by Hey Sweet Cheeks, supporting the work we’re doing to bring real conversations about rugby, identity, and sport to the forefront. Check them out at https://heysweetcheeks.co/

If you care about rugby culture, LGBTQ representation in sport, or how policy changes impact athletes on the field, this is a discussion worth hearing.

In Episode 38 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we dive into the messy reality of gay dating culture, dating apps, and the strange loneliness that can creep in even when you’ve never had more access to other people. With endless swiping, DMs, open tabs, and options everywhere, real connection can start to feel harder to hold onto.We talk about the shift from organic meet-cutes to algorithm-driven attraction, how hookup culture can sometimes feel transactional, and why so many gay men admit they feel emotionally unavailable even when they’re constantly “connecting.” There’s something strange about living in a time where validation is instant but intimacy feels rare.From FOMO and decision paralysis to open relationships and independence, this conversation gets honest about what modern gay relationships actually look like. We unpack the pressure to keep searching for something better, the fear of settling, and the uncomfortable truth that happiness isn’t something you swipe into; it’s something you build.It’s funny, raw, a little dramatic, and very real. If you’ve ever felt exhausted by dating apps, confused by modern gay dating, or caught between craving connection and protecting your independence, this episode will probably hit close to home.

Episode 37 of The Gay Rugby Podcast dives into Bad Bunny’s 2026 Super Bowl halftime show from a hot tub. Filmed the week after the Patriots vs. Seahawks game, this episode turns into a full conversation about the performance and the reaction from the Latinx community, especially what it meant for fans who felt represented on that stage.Ozzie talks about what it was like watching the performance growing up in a Mexican household and why the moment hit differently, while the guys get into the set design, choreography, lighting, and the kind of energy that had everyone talking the next day. It’s part pop culture breakdown, part personal perspective, and very much a hot-tub recap of a halftime show that felt bigger than just music.The Gay Rugby Podcast is a rugby and LGBTQ sports podcast covering gay rugby players, queer athletes in contact sports, and whatever else the group can’t stop talking about that week. Episode 37 is a direct reaction to Bad Bunny’s halftime performance and why it resonated so strongly with Latinx fans and the broader sports and entertainment world.

Episode 36 of The Gay Rugby Podcast breaks down one of the most talked-about sports TV storylines right now: Heated Rivalry.This episode reacts to the HBO series and the central relationship between rival pro hockey players Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, played by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. The discussion also touches on supporting characters Kip Grady and Scott Hunter, portrayed by Robbie G.K. and François Arnaud, and how the show is being received by athletes and LGBTQ sports audiences.From the perspective of gay rugby players, the conversation focuses on how Heated Rivalry portrays closeted professional athletes, team dynamics, media pressure, and the reality of competing in high-level sports while navigating identity. The hosts compare the series’ depiction of rivalry, secrecy, and locker room culture with real experiences inside inclusive rugby clubs and LGBTQ rugby communities.The Gay Rugby Podcast is a rugby and LGBTQ sports podcast covering gay rugby players, queer athletes in contact sports, and the evolving visibility of LGBTQ representation in professional athletics. Episode 36 offers a direct reaction to Heated Rivalry and why the series is resonating across sports culture right now.

In Episode 35 of The Gay Rugby Podcast, we sit down with Gabe Garcia (they/them), a former ballerina who walked away from the studio and into the chaos of rugby. Trained in classical dance, Gabe spent years chasing perfection before discovering rugby for beginners - a sport that values presence, teamwork, and showing up exactly as you are.Gabe talks about joining the Phoenix Storm Rugby Club, learning the game from scratch, and finding their footing inside a gay rugby team built on trust and shared effort. We get into the physical shock of contact, how a dance background translates (and sometimes doesn’t), and what makes rugby culture feel different from other sports.The episode also touches on a trans-inclusive rugby match, treated not as a spectacle but as a normal day on the pitch: scrums, tackles, mistakes, and momentum. It’s a small but telling example of why inclusive rugby and LGBTQ rugby clubs have become real entry points for players who never felt welcome elsewhere.This conversation lives at the intersection of rugby podcasts and LGBTQ sports podcasts, offering an honest athlete interview about switching disciplines, starting rugby later in life, and building community through sport. It’s a grounded look at queer athletes in sports, the reality of learning how to start playing rugby, and why rugby keeps pulling in people from unexpected places.

n this special Spanish-language episode of The Gay Rugby Podcast, we speak with the players of Spicy Rugby Querétaro, one of Mexico’s most active gay rugby teams. Diego, Uciel, Ozzie, and Jack share how the team started four years ago, how they recruit players in Querétaro, and how they organize inclusive tournaments like the Spicy Color Surf Rugby.They discuss the challenges of playing rugby as an LGBTQ community in Mexico, from the lack of dedicated tournaments to creating mixed teams and promoting inclusive rugby. The team also shares their experiences in international tournaments and how they connect with other LGBTQ rugby communities in the United States and Canada.Throughout the episode, the players recount stories from games, training sessions, travel logistics, and team life, including building safe spaces and including women in the rugby community. They also explain what it means to represent Mexico internationally and their efforts to grow the LGBTQ rugby community across the country.This episode is for anyone interested in the development of gay rugby in Mexico, the dynamics of inclusive rugby teams, and how sport can become a space for LGBTQ+ empowerment in athletics. While most episodes are in English, this Spanish edition offers a first-hand perspective from Mexican players and their impact on the international scene.

Rugby has a way of taking more than it gives. In Episode 33 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we sit down with Chris Brandenburg of the Portland Lumberjacks Rugby Club on site in Palm Springs, CA during the Rucktacular Rugby Tournament to talk about what happens when the sport you love breaks your body and why you keep coming back anyway.Chris opens up about serious injuries, breaking his leg twice, long recovery stretches, and the mental toll that comes with being sidelined. But this episode isn’t just about rugby injuries or rehab timelines. It’s about showing up, for your teammates, for your city, and for a community that’s been forced to stay resilient whether it wanted to or not.The Portland Lumberjacks are more than a gay rugby team. They’re a fixture of Portland’s LGBTQ sports community and a rare example of inclusive rugby still thriving at the grassroots level. We talk about what it means to play gay rugby in Portland right now, how the team rebuilt itself, and why inclusive sports spaces matter even more when queer communities feel politically targeted.This conversation lives at the intersection of rugby injury recovery, LGBTQ athletics, and community identity. It’s about pain, stubbornness, and the quiet decision to keep showing up when walking away would be easier. If you’re interested in gay rugby, inclusive rugby clubs, Portland sports culture, or the reality behind comeback stories, this episode keeps it honest.

What does it actually mean to be an inclusive rugby team in 2025? On Episode 32 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we sat down on-site at the Rucktacular Rugby Tournament in Palm Springs with Danny Jimenez, president of San Diego Armada Rugby, to talk about identity, visibility, and what happens when a team forgets where it came from.The Armada didn’t start as just another inclusive rugby club. It was founded as a gay rugby team, built to give LGBTQ athletes a place on the pitch when few existed. Over time, that identity faded. The roster shifted. The marketing changed. The community presence softened. Eventually, the team found itself asking a hard question: if you’re open to everyone, but no longer home to the people you were created for, are you still truly inclusive?Danny breaks down how they made the decision to reclaim the club’s roots - not by excluding anyone, but by redefining rugby inclusivity in a way that actually serves the gay sports community again. We talk about why being a gay rugby team in a military city like San Diego adds another layer of complexity, where players are constantly coming and going, and how leadership, language, and outreach shape who feels welcome in the locker room.This episode goes deeper than just LGBTQ rugby. It’s about queer athletes in sports, how teams evolve, and why visibility still matters in spaces that claim to be “for everyone.” From rethinking branding to rebuilding culture, Danny shares what it takes to create an inclusive sports team that doesn’t erase its identity in the process.This conversation sits at the intersection of LGBTQ rugby, leadership, and identity in sport - where inclusion isn’t a slogan, but something you have to actively protect. It’s about how teams change, how communities get diluted, and what it takes to build something that actually belongs to the people it was created for.

What’s it actually like to be straight on a gay rugby team? In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we sit down with Garrett Mack, Vice President of Marketing, and Daniel, Secretary of the San Francisco Fog Rugby Club, to talk about identity, masculinity, and how inclusive sports culture works in real life; not just on paper.Founded in 2000, SF Fog Rugby is the first gay and inclusive rugby team on the West Coast and one of the most established LGBTQ+ rugby clubs in the United States. The Fog welcome players of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and experience levels, creating a team culture built on respect, competition, and community. From beginner-friendly entry points to high-level competitive play, Fog Rugby has become a model for inclusive rugby clubs nationwide and a cornerstone of San Francisco’s LGBTQ sports scene.Garrett and Daniel share how the Fog’s inclusive approach plays out on and off the pitch, including what it means to have straight and queer teammates building trust through full-contact sport. The conversation touches on how inclusive sports teams challenge outdated ideas about masculinity, why representation in rugby matters, and how the Fog continues to grow its reach through community engagement and visibility.The episode also honors the legacy of Mark Kendall Bingham, a Fog Rugby player whose impact extends far beyond rugby. Mark Bingham was one of the passengers who helped stop Flight 93 on September 11, and his legacy lives on through the Bingham Cup, the largest international gay rugby tournament in the world. Hosted every two years, the Bingham Cup brings together LGBTQ+ rugby teams from across the globe and stands as a powerful symbol of courage, inclusion, and rugby for all.Whether you’re searching for a gay rugby team, an inclusive rugby club in San Francisco, or curious about LGBTQ+ rugby history, this episode offers real insight into how inclusive team sports function day to day. If you’ve ever wondered how to join a rugby team, what gay rugby culture is actually like, or how inclusive sports communities thrive, this conversation delivers honest perspective from inside the huddle.Learn more about San Francisco Fog Rugby and how to get involved at fogrugby.com, and explore the global impact of inclusive rugby through International Gay Rugby and the Bingham Cup. Like, subscribe, and share for more conversations about rugby, identity, and community.

Welcome to The Gay Rugby Podcast! In this full episode, hosts Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna sit down with Logan Legs from Quake Rugby, one of the oldest and most inclusive men’s rugby clubs in the U.S., based in the Pacific Northwest. This episode was filmed live at Rucktacular, the premier LGBTQ+ and inclusive rugby tournament in Palm Springs, California, bringing together gay rugby teams from across North America for a weekend of competition, community, and unforgettable stories.During the episode, Logan shares a hilarious and awkward personal story about accidentally matching with their rugby coach on a faceless dating app—and only realizing who it was when they showed up in person. Jack and Ozzie break down the story, discussing the humor, awkwardness, and realities of dating within the gay rugby community, as well as the unique dynamics of relationships inside tight-knit sports teams.The episode also explores broader life in gay rugby, including the camaraderie, inclusivity, and competition that define teams like Quake Rugby. Fans get an inside look at Rucktacular, one of the largest LGBTQ+ rugby tournaments in the U.S., and hear stories from players and coaches about both on-field action and off-field life, from dating mishaps to community experiences that highlight the reality of LGBTQ+ athletes navigating sports and social life.Whether you’re a rugby fan, part of the LGBTQ+ sports community, or just love engaging and authentic personal stories, this episode with Logan Legs, co-hosted by Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna, delivers laughs, insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at gay rugby culture, dating, and life at inclusive rugby tournaments.

In Episode 29 of The Gay Rugby Podcast, hosts Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna sit down with “Rugby Daddy” himself, longtime New-York City rugby lifer (and Gotham Knights legend) Kevin Healy, for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on the early days of gay and inclusive rugby, when there was no Instagram, no Tinder, just sweaty post-game beers, in-person recruiting, and a handful of shirts passed around the pitch.

Over two decades playing for Gotham Knights RFC: one of the founding clubs of International Gay Rugby (IGR) in the United States. Kevin witnessed first-hand how gay rugby went from underground whispers to international tournaments like the Bingham Cup. But this isn’t just nostalgia. As “Rugby Daddy,” Healy turned his love for the sport and his affection for the community into a print-on-demand merch company helping inclusive rugby teams fundraise, build identity, and support players.

On this episode he shows us his shirt designs, and talks about how merch became a lifeline for teams across the IGR network.We dig deep into the taboo and the tenderness of dating teammates, a reality some have lived, few have spoken about. We talk love and loyalty, identity and passion, the unspoken rituals of the locker room, and why being on a rugby team can feel like finding a home.

Whether you’re a seasoned rucker, a curious newcomer, or someone who just wants to see what happens when toughness meets tenderness; tune in. This isn’t just about sport. It’s about belonging.

There’s a certain poetry to how someone ends up in rugby without ever planning to touch the pitch. For Eric Anderson, it started the day his husband joined the local team in Los Angeles and Eric, who’d never played a minute, walked into the Rebellion’s orbit and somehow wound up running the whole thing. On Episode 28 of The Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack Higgins and Ozzy Luna sit down with Eric, now President of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club and part of the team behind Rugby LA, to talk about what it’s like to inherit a sport through love and build a community through intention.We get into the real stuff: how a partner’s weekend hobby morphed into a full-blown commitment to inclusive rugby in Los Angeles, what it means to lead one of the most visible LGBTQ+ rugby clubs in the country, and why the Rebellion has become a touchstone for queer athletes looking for a place to land. Eric also breaks down the work going into the upcoming Rucktacular Rugby Tournament in Palm Springs on December 13th, including a first-of-its-kind non-binary and trans-inclusive rugby match that’s pushing the sport forward in a way traditional leagues haven’t dared to.This episode touches on the entire ecosystem of queer rugby - from the Rebellion’s growth to the culture around International Gay Rugby, the Bingham Cup, community rugby in LA, and the broader movement to make full-contact sport accessible to every body. It’s the kind of conversation that reminds you how these clubs aren’t just teams; they’re survival networks, social circles, and accidental families.If you’ve ever wondered how someone becomes the face of a rugby club before ever lacing up boots - this is your episode.

Tom Goss brings the room to a hush before he makes it sing. We caught him with the band for a full live set and a wide-ranging interview that cuts under the surface of a queer music career, the songs that make crowds cheer, the parts of gay life only other gay men sing about, and why a single track like Bears can mean more than a chorus. Tom’s been turning honest storytelling into sing-along anthems for years; he’s toured, headlined pride stages, and built a quiet, fierce audience by telling simple truths. This episode moves between performance and conversation: acoustic confessions, band arrangements, and a talk about community; from the bear subculture to how queer musicians carve space on and off stage. If you want notes on how to find queer music near me, Tom Goss live set, or what it’s like to be a gay musician touring, listen for the full performance and the moments where Tom explains why visibility and joy matter. We also dig into practical bits for listeners: where to catch Tom on tour, what tracks to start with if you’re new to his music, and why live queer music scenes still feel like the best kind of resistance. If you searched gay singer songwriter, Tom Goss full set, queer artists live performance, or LGBTQ music podcast, this is the episode that answers those searches with songs and stories from within both the Rugby and Bear communities.

Lelo Adult Toys - Black Friday Sale | Save an additional 20% off already amazing deals by using code GRP20 at checkouthttps://www.lelo.com/Kevyn Fong doesn’t do small talk. The LA comedian came by the Gay Rugby Podcast and immediately started asking the questions everyone avoids — what actually happens when you join a gay rugby team, and what’s it like living inside that community once you’re in it?This episode sits somewhere between a locker room and a group therapy session. We talk about identity, masculinity, hookup culture, and how an inclusive rugby club becomes more than just a place to play. It’s a raw look at what it means to show up queer in a sport that still wears toughness like armor.Kevyn pushes us into uncomfortable territory — the gay rugby confessions we don’t always say out loud: dating within the team, the tension between competition and community, and the weird beauty of finding family on the field. If you’ve ever searched how to join gay rugby, LGBTQ rugby podcast, queer rugby stories, or just gay sports community LA, you’ll get why this conversation hits different.We also talk about the scene in Los Angeles gay rugby, from local clubs like Rebellion Rugby to the underground crossover between comedy and rugby LA. It’s funny, honest, and a little unhinged; the way good conversations should be.Subscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast for more stories from inside the queer rugby community. Try Popstar today and use the code RUGBY for 20% off your first orderhttps://www.popstarlabs.com/rugby

On this week’s Halloween-themed episode of The Gay Rugby Podcast, we’re diving into the ridiculous, creative, and occasionally questionable world of rugby sevens fan costumes. From diehards who commit fully to a theme to those who look like they got dressed in the dark before kickoff, we’re ranking them all; not out of judgment, but appreciation for the spectacle that happens when sport collides with personality.This episode isn’t about who wore it best; it’s about how expression shows up in the stands. Rugby has always been about grit and teamwork, but there’s something special about seeing fans bring humor, camp, and individuality to the sidelines. Whether it’s a full-blown character transformation or a last-minute prop situation, each look tells a story about confidence, identity, and the culture that’s grown within inclusive rugby.We break down how costume can turn a tournament into a performance, how fans use it to subvert expectations, and how the queer rugby community finds joy and freedom in moments that might seem ridiculous to outsiders. This is the kind of episode that reminds you why sport can be more than a game; it’s a stage, a celebration, and sometimes, a drag show with a whistle.Subscribe to The Gay Rugby Podcast for new episodes every week!

Downtown Los Angeles was pulsing with color when we set up our mics at DTLA Proud Festival. The air was thick with basslines, drag queens strutted past the fountains at Pershing Square, and somewhere between the main stage and a churro stand, we spoke with actor and activist Milton Darnell Smith, a man who carries pride in his bones. This is Episode 24 of The Gay Rugby Podcast, and it’s all about diversity, visibility, and what it means to belong.Milton’s energy is magnetic. He talks about his roots in the church, the grind of becoming an actor in Hollywood, and the urgency of creating space for queer joy, not just on stage, but in everyday life. Sitting with him, it felt like we were talking to someone who’s lived a dozen lives and somehow managed to stay open-hearted through them all. He embodies what inclusive sports and queer culture both aim for: a world where authenticity doesn’t have to be negotiated.DTLA Proud, now a staple of Los Angeles Pride season, has become more than just a festival, it’s a mirror for what queer LA looks like right now. There’s sweat, laughter, flirtation, activism, and art happening all at once. It’s a love letter to the city’s LGBTQ+ heartbeat, where the rugby field and the dance floor somehow share the same rhythm. Standing there with Milton, surrounded by thousands of people celebrating who they are, we couldn’t help but feel like this is exactly what we’ve been talking about all season: inclusion that moves from words to action.We talk about inclusive sports culture, the gay rugby community, LGBTQ pride in Los Angeles, and how events like DTLA Proud push conversations forward. Milton opens up about his creative journey, his advocacy work, and the ways he’s seen representation shift in Hollywood. It’s an interview that feels both intimate and electric; part festival recap, part cultural checkpoint, part love letter to the people who show up as themselves, no matter the space.DTLA Proud isn’t just another Pride festival; it’s a reminder that inclusion isn’t something we talk about once a year; it’s something we live. From the rugby pitch to downtown LA’s streets, from athlete activism to queer storytelling, this episode is a snapshot of a movement in motion.

Rugby has its own language. Every scrum, ruck, and knock-on carries meaning, rhythm, and history. In this episode of The Gay Rugby Podcast, hosts Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna from Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby unpack the slang that runs through the sport — and what it says about identity, culture, and belonging.It’s part translation guide, part cultural study. The guys break down how rugby’s coded vocabulary connects players across continents while still leaving outsiders guessing. They look at how queer players make that language their own, and how inclusive rugby communities flip tradition into something more open, and a little more honest.The Gay Rugby Podcast is born from the scrums and sidelines of the Los Angeles Rebellion, an LGBTQ+ team that’s rewriting what toughness and teamwork look like. Each week, Jack and Ozzie talk rugby, queerness, and everything that happens in between; no filters, no PR polish.Stream the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Subscribe if you’re into rugby, language, or just good conversation that doesn’t pull its punches.

His decision didn’t just ripple, it detonated. In Episode 22 of The Gay Rugby Podcast, we sit down with R.K. Russell, the NFL player who, in a moment of courage and clarity, became one of the first active players to publicly identify as bisexual. What follows is equal parts locker-room confession, cultural reckoning, and hard-won tenderness: a story about leaving silence behind, about masculinity and vulnerability on the field, and about what it means to be bisexual in the NFL while still loving the game.R.K. brings the kind of candor that rewrites the playbook. He talks about the pressure cooker of professional sport, the complicated dance between team loyalty and personal truth, and why he believes representation matters for LGBTQ athletes who are still figuring out how to balance identity with ambition. This is essential listening for anyone searching “bisexual NFL player interview,” “coming out in pro sports,” or “what it’s like being queer in the NFL.”There’s a symmetry here we can’t ignore: rugby and football are cousins - collision sports that prize toughness, camaraderie, and ritual. On our show (born from the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby community) we explore that overlap: how locker room culture shapes men, how inclusive sports can heal, and why queer players in both codes wrestle with similar stakes. If you care about inclusive rugby stories, bisexual athlete stories, or the future of LGBTQ representation in pro sports, turn this up.R.K. Russell tells his full story in his powerful memoir The Yards Between Us: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Football. It’s more than a sports book — it’s about identity, family, love, and what it costs to live authentically on the biggest stage in American sports. If you want to go deeper into his journey as the first openly bisexual NFL player, you can pick up The Yards Between Us wherever books are sold, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores.In this conversation you’ll hear R.K. Russell on mental health, activism, and the moment he decided to be public, plus practical messages for young athletes: how to come out as an athlete, how to navigate team dynamics, and how to find allies in sport. Subscribe to The Gay Rugby Podcast for more interviews that sit at the intersection of sport, identity, and community.

Episode 21 of The Gay Rugby Podcast - “When Did Pool Parties Become Boring? | Andrés Rigal & Summertramp” - finds us sitting down with longtime nightlife & event-producer Andrés Rigal, founder of SummerTramp and a co-organizer of DTLA Proud, to talk about the arc of queer pool parties in Los Angeles. Rigal reflects on the early days of SummerTramp, the gaps he saw in Los Angeles’s summer event landscape, and how those ideas shaped what SummerTramp was trying to build. We explore what has changed, crowd expectations, venue availability, creative ambition, and whether pool parties have lost their luster. We also dig into how SummerTramp has responded: its vibe, its message, and how authenticity and community stay central even as the scene evolves.You’ll hear about the history of SummerTramp parties: how in 2010 Andrés Rigal noticed that pool events in DTLA weren’t delivering the joy or inclusivity he wanted, and how that prompted him to create something different. The landscape of queer nights, poolside spectacles, and summer culture has shifted since then, and this episode asks: do we need to do more than resurrect nostalgia—do we need to reshape what a queer summer party can be in 2025?

Episode 20 of The Gay Rugby Podcast drops us right into the middle of DTLA Proud Festival 2025, recorded on August 24 at Placita Olvera in downtown Los Angeles. The episode features Richard Suarez-Tascon of Rebellion Rugby, where he helps lead alumni and RugBAE engagement, and the conversation zeroes in on the rivalry and shared DNA between rugby culture in New York City and Los Angeles.With the festival celebrating its tenth year of LGBTQ+ community and pride in Los Angeles, the setting underscores the larger conversation: why inclusive rugby matters, how grassroots clubs in LA have taken shape, and what lessons can be learned from New York’s long-standing tradition of gay rugby. Richard speaks from his perspective with Rebellion Rugby about the challenges of building visibility in sports and the opportunities for connection across cities and communities.The episode captures the energy of two different rugby worlds colliding, one built in the intensity of New York, the other shaped by the laid-back sprawl of Los Angeles, while tying it back to the bigger picture of representation and belonging in the game.

Episode 19 of The Gay Rugby Podcast features Lauren Doyle, a former USA Women’s Rugby Sevens star and three-time Olympian who represented Team USA in Rio, Tokyo, and Paris. Doyle opens up about what happens when the Olympic dream ends, the adrenaline fades, the medals go into storage, and suddenly you’re left facing the world outside of sport. She speaks openly about the post-Olympic blues, the mental health struggles athletes face after retirement, and the disorienting shift of entering the workforce with no experience beyond the game.But this is also the story of Doyle’s life beyond rugby. She reflects on coming out as a lesbian athlete, how she told her family, and what it meant to compete as a gay woman in rugby at the highest level. Doyle shares her connection with teammate Ilona Maher, the power of LGBTQ+ visibility in sport, and the way identity off the field can be just as defining as performance on it.This conversation isn’t just about rugby, it’s about resilience, identity, and the cost of chasing greatness. If you’ve ever wondered what life after the Olympics really looks like, or how athletes navigate the intersection of mental health, sexuality, and elite sport, Lauren Doyle offers a rare, unfiltered look.

Pride as a Form of Protest” isn’t just a rallying cry - it’s the reason DTLA Proud exists. Formed as a more diverse, grassroots response to the mainstream West Hollywood Pride, the festival brings queer culture back to the center of Los Angeles with intention and bite.In this episode of The Gay Rugby Podcast, filmed live at DTLA Proud festival 2025, we talk with Eric Solis and his husband Dennis Caasi about why Pride still matters as activism. Eric - a longtime organizer and creative producer - traces the roots of LGBTQ activism in Los Angeles, while Dennis dives into the behind-the-scenes work of building an event that’s equal parts joy and queer protest tactics.From the history of Pride protests to the tension between Pride visibility and gentrification, this conversation shows how DTLA Proud has become more than just another festival | it’s a stage for culture, politics, and radical visibility. Recorded near Olvera Street, the birthplace of the city, the episode connects past and present: Stonewall to Silver Lake, marches to music, rugby to resistance.

In Episode 17 of The Gay Rugby Podcast, we pull charts, pull no punches, and let LA stand-up Kevin Sullivan read the scrum like it’s written in the stars. From Aries flankers who live for collision to dreamy Pisces fullbacks who can’t stop chasing the offload, we map out rugby zodiac signs with a wink, a whistle, and a little queer magic. Kevin (an openly gay comic you’ve seen around the Hollywood Improv and on the Two Broke Gays pod) drops into our locker room to talk astrology, identity, and why inclusive rugby keeps rewriting the playbook. If you’re here for LGBTQ sports stories, queer athletes, and the wild overlap between astrology and rugby culture, this one’s your new north star.

We talk inclusive rugby, how clubs like LA Rebellion turn game day into community, and why astrology somehow explains everything from World Rugby news to the weirdly accurate rugby memes clogging your feed. Along the way, Sullivan drops stories that make the huddle feel more like a late-night set at the Hollywood Improv.

If you’re here for LGBTQ sports, queer athletes, and the overlap between comedy, rugby, and astrology-you’ve found the right podcast. Episode 17 isn’t just a conversation, it’s a reminder that the game’s always been bigger than the scoreboard.

From dating app dopamine to locker room breakdowns, the messy overlap of rugby and mental health. Episode 16 of The Gay Rugby Podcast is less polished highlight reel and more raw post-match debrief. We dig into using dating apps for validation and rugby and mental health, pulling no punches on how those late-night swipes blur into dating app addiction, how the highs of a “like” hit feel like a dopamine loop, and why those same patterns leave players limping emotionally by Monday practice.We ask the uncomfortable question: is this toxic behavior? The answer takes us back to the childhood, where trauma first wired us to chase approval and into the present, where we mask it with locker room jokes and humor as a coping mechanism.The conversation sprawls out like an open pitch: seeking validation online, online dating burnout, the weight of hookup culture burnout, and how gay men’s mental health too often gets hidden behind “I’m fine, mate.” We talk queer masculinity, body image in the gay community, and the uneasy marriage between sports culture and toxic masculinity. Rugby is supposed to be an escape, but the algorithm follows you onto the field, whispering about abs, likes, and worth.But this isn’t just a therapy session in boots. It’s strategy talk: carving out space for LGBTQ athletes’ mental health, building mental fitness for rugby players, and exploring what it looks like to attempt a dating app dopamine detox or rewire toxic dating patterns. We’re finding scrums of support in the queer rugby community-proof that identity runs deeper than algorithms, and recovery can be a team sport.

An Olympic rugby prop eats like it’s a full-time job. For Episode 15, Elliot Norris joins us on The Gay Rugby Podcast to find out what it really takes to get through a day on that kind of fuel.We hand him the daily meal plan built for an elite front-rower: thousands of calories spread across precision-timed meals, heavy carb loads before training, protein spikes after, and recovery shakes that taste like ambition mixed with chalk dust. It’s a diet designed to keep a body anchored at the heart of an Olympic scrum.Elliot approaches it with equal parts curiosity and skepticism. He’s no stranger to eating on camera, his own audience knows him for high-energy food content and an unfiltered personality, but this is another level. We set the table, roll the mics, and watch as the lines blur between mukbang spectacle and candid conversation.In between bites, Elliot talks about his life as a content creator with a massive online following: the balancing act between being “on” for the camera and staying grounded, the grind of turning creativity into a career, and the surprising ways food bridges the gap between his world and ours. There are moments of laughter, deadpan honesty, and a few long silences when the sheer volume of food demands all his focus.The Gay Rugby Podcast has always been about more than the sport-it’s about the people who make it what it is, and the stories that unfold where sport collides with real life. This time, the backdrop just happens to be a mountain of food and a guest willing to take on a completely different kind of challenge.If you’ve ever wondered what an Olympic rugby prop eats in a day, or wanted a front-row seat to the intersection of elite athletic routines and internet-era storytelling, this episode serves it up-messy, human, and honest.

The Gay Rugby Podcast dives headfirst into the chaos surrounding the Run It Straight Challenge reaction, peeling back the layers of a viral trend that’s become as controversial as it is captivating. Episode 14 doesn’t hold back-we talk about the brutal clips flooding feeds, the adrenaline‑hungry crowds, and the moment it all turned dark in New Zealand after a young man’s death.The conversation moves from laughter to unease as we ask the question no one in rugby wants to touch: has New Zealand, the sport’s spiritual home, turned rugby into a sideshow? Watching those run it straight rugby reaction videos feels like scrolling through modern gladiator games-raw hits, bone‑jarring collisions, fans egging it on like it’s entertainment. And then there’s the fallout: the run it straight challenge controversy, the whispers of blame, and the headlines that made the world wonder what went too far.We talk about the ugly beauty of the game, the way Kiwi rugby culture has always flirted with danger, and how this viral craze-these run it straight challenge highlights-pushes the boundary between passion and recklessness. We break down footage, swap stories from the LGBTQ+ rugby scene, and wrestle with the uncomfortable reality of watching young players throw themselves into each other with no padding, no plan, and too often, no way back.It’s messy. It’s emotional. It’s the kind of rugby reaction video that won’t leave you with easy answers-and maybe that’s the point.

Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna just got back from Boston with bruises, stories, and a hangover or two, and they’re spilling it all on Episode 13 of the Gay Rugby Podcast. The NORAM Cup isn’t just another weekend of rugby - it’s the beating heart of the gay and inclusive rugby community, a mash‑up of bone‑crunching tackles, sideline laughter, and late‑night socials that feel more like a family reunion than a sporting event.In this episode, they unpack exactly what happens at a rugby tournament when you throw together teams from across North America under the banner of International Gay Rugby. From pool play battles and knockout rounds to the electric buzz of the all‑trans match - only the third of its kind in history - the weekend pulsed with milestones. The Fog’s A‑side steamrolled through pool play and knock‑out rounds, ultimately defeating the Washington Renegades in the final to become North American champions-an achievement they proudly crowned on their website as “2025 North America (NORAM) Cup Champions”Jack and Ozzie paint the full picture - the pre‑match nerves, the post‑match beers, the camaraderie that lingers long after the final whistle. It’s a ground‑level look at the NORAM Cup that goes beyond scores and stats, showing why gay rugby tournaments have become some of the most welcoming, chaotic, and unforgettable weekends in sports.Whether you’ve laced up for a match yourself or just want to know what really goes down when hundreds of players and fans converge on one city, this episode gives you the inside story of an LGBTQ rugby tournament that proves the game is as much about community as it is about contact.

Dre’s been one of our teammates for years — but he’s also Mr. Mega Woof 2024, a staple in West Hollywood’s go-go scene, and one of the most magnetic performers we know. So when he invited us to learn a few moves, we showed up… completely unprepared.What started as a friendly tutorial turned into a full-on spectacle: a bunch of sweaty rugby players trying to keep up with a seasoned go-go dancer. There was glitter. There were body rolls. There were a few pulled hamstrings. And somehow, it turned into the most unexpectedly wholesome moment of queer team bonding we’ve ever had.This wasn’t a joke, and it definitely wasn’t just a gay dance challenge — this was the overlap of gay rugby culture, inclusive sports culture, and the kind of masculine dance challenge you don’t usually see outside of a late-night club in the Castro. And yeah, it turns out go-go dancing for beginners is way harder than it looks.You’ll see Dre Thee Cyborg dancing, coaching, roasting, and teaching us how to move like we mean it. You’ll also see some very awkward attempts at men’s go-go dancing, plus a few rugby locker room comedy skits that came out of it.Filmed at Jam in the Van, hosted by Jack Higgins & Ozzy Luna.