It's late on a cold Tuesday night and I'm standing in a field up to my knees in mud but I absolutely love it. I've swapped my comfort, and warm, couch for a night spent playing rugby with Nottingham's first LGBT+ team, the Hurricanes, at the Nottingham Casuals Rugby Football Club.
I'm not going to lie in that joining a new sport can be really nerve-wracking because you worry about making friends, doing the wrong thing or even wearing the wrong kit. Being queer and Non-binary myself, I know there are extra concerns like explaining my pronouns (they/them) or talking about my partner which can sometimes make it feel easier not to go to things.
However, it's clear within five minutes of arrival that I need not have worried because the team are incredibly inclusive and friendly. There are players of all ages and abilities and most importantly, I'm not the only new person on the field. However, it turns out, watching rugby over a few pints is very different from playing rugby. Who knew?
