The Rugby Football Union firmly believes that rugby union in England must reflect modern society and has put inclusion at the forefront to ensure that the experience of those currently in the game and those coming into the sport are positive.

As part of that inclusion and diversity, the Pride flag is flying over Twickenham Stadium this month (June).

“I’m delighted that we are showing our support for Pride month by once again flying the flag,” said RFU Chair, Tom Ilube. “Inclusivity is critical to building a successful and thriving game.

“We have published our first Inclusion & Diversity impact report on the progress made in the community game since our action plan launched in 2021. It showed positive gains in diversifying participants, our staff and board, how we’re working with partners to change perceptions of the sport and telling the stories of different people from different backgrounds, enjoying, leading and driving rugby forward.

“In the elite game, collaboration between the men and women's leagues, as well as the Rugby Players Association, means a unified approach to setting collective and consistent standards for inclusion. In the past 12 months, over 2,000 players, staff and coaches took part in a sport-wide diversity education programme.”

Last year Matt Webb, RFU Council member, chair of the Union’s Inclusive Leadership Delivery Group, former chair and current coach of Kings Cross Steelers, was on the stadium roof to raise the flag.

He said: “It’s great to see it flying over The Home of England Rugby again for Pride month when LGBTQ+ communities celebrate the freedom to be themselves, overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are. It’s also fantastic that we now have International Gay Rugby clubs thriving in England.”

RFU staff inclusion and diversity involvement includes employee networks for protected characteristics, one of them being The Proud Roses.  As Pride Month kicked off their two leaders, Becky Garrett and Kesha Drain, handed over the Pride flag to be hoisted over the stadium and fly for the month. The LGBTQ+ network had its first meeting in May 2021 to bring together employees who identified within the network as well as their allies, Becky and Kesha took over leadership last August. 

Becky said: “The Proud Roses mean a lot to us because in a world where identifying within the community can sometimes be scary and alienating, our network can provide a safe haven for those who need it. Kesh and I have become close friends, partly due to not only our mutual love of rugby, and women’s rugby, but being a part of the Proud Roses and striving for our common goal. We are so very proud of what we have today and what we hope to achieve in the 24/25 season.”

The Pride flag reflects the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and identity has become a symbol of LGBTQ+ Pride worldwide.