Caledonian Thebans Rugby Football Club

The Caledonian Thebans RFC is Scotland’s first specifically gay friendly rugby club for men. The club’s playing members are therefore predominantly gay or bisexual, however, the club welcomes all!

We are called the Caledonian Thebans after the Theban Sacred Band, one of the most famous Greek Regiment in military history.

The club, now in its 5th year, is based in Edinburgh, but members have come from as far as Aberdeen, Glasgow and Berwick. The club was established because a group of gay men wanted to play contact rugby without fear of hostility or prejudice. The Thebans therefore aims to provide the means and facilities for men who are serious about playing contact rugby to do so in a safe and supportive environment.

The club is about to embark on its sixth year. During this season the Thebans will be playing various fixtures including 7 aside and 15 aside matches, quite an exciting year in prospect. We are associated with Portobello Rugby Football Club who have provided us with a lot of support in establishing ourselves. We became affiliated members of the Scottish Rugby Union and Edinburgh and District Rugby Union in December 2003.

We have achieved a lot in the last five years and with many new and valued players joining the team through out the past season, the club continues to grow and develop. We welcome people whatever their experience of playing rugby, regardless of their fitness level, ability or age as our training is designed to allow them to develop their skills at the pace that is right for them. If you are interested in joining the Thebans as a player please E-Mail our Membership Secretary at membership@thebans-rfc.co.uk or phone 07758 668 784 for the latest recruitment information.