East London Rugby Football Club celebrated its commitment to diversity and inclusivity on Saturday (29 June) when members of its Vixens ladies team took part in the annual London Pride parade.

Thousands took to the streets to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the first London march for LGBTQ+ rights. Organised by not-for-profit Pride in London, an estimated 500 community groups and businesses comprising more than 32,000 people, joined the procession from Hyde Park to Whitehall.

A giant rainbow flag was carried through the streets as entertainers also performed across various stages on the route. The Vixens marched with players from Kings Cross Steelers RFC who share the rugby facilities with East London RFC in Memorial Park, West Ham.

Lauren Hatch, East London’s women’s rugby officer, said: “It is important to show a united front against bigotry, not just in sport, but in all walks of life. There is no pride for anyone until we have pride for all.”

Under Rugby Football Union guidelines, transgender women are prevented from playing contact rugby. The East London Vixens are one of the clubs directly affected by the ban.

Lauren added: “East London RFC is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ people in sport and trans people in rugby especially. Rugby should be a game for all, including transgender women. We will continue to campaign for our sport to welcome all and eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or identity.”