Steelers

2020

Documentary

Sports & Fitness

List

71%

Tomatometer

7 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

In 1995, in a pub in London's King's Cross, a group of friends discussed the idea of a gay rugby club. From that casual conversation, the first gay rugby team was born -- the Kings Cross Steelers. 25 years later, there are 60 clubs worldwide and once every two years they get together for the world tournament of gay rugby -- The Bingham Cup. Australian journalist, Eammon Ashton-Atkinson's heartfelt documentary travels to Amsterdam as the Kings Cross Steelers attempt victory at the 2018 event. Along the way, we get to know some of the team. There's Drew, prop by day, drag queen by night; Simon, who found a much-needed support system at the club, and head coach Nic, who isn't shy of shedding a few proud tears when talking about her boys.

Benjamin Lee

Guardian

It's clearly made on a shoestring budget and, while well-intentioned, it's a little too half-baked to land.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 15, 2021

Full Review

Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

It is an emotionally stirring, immediately relatable little gem.

Rated: 7/10

Jul 6, 2021

Full Review

Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

Each person he interviews tells their own moving story, and the film is packed with witty banter and enjoyably riotous off-pitch antics.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 22, 2021

Full Review

Andrew Murray

The Upcoming

To them, this is more than rugby, and Steelers tells audiences exactly why that is in this emotive, personal, and uplifting documentary.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 20, 2021

Full Review

Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

Perhaps Ashton-Atkinson should have explored the attitudes of that wider rugby world more intently, but the simple film he has made is a good, honest heartwarmer.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 19, 2021

Full Review

Jennie Kermode

Eye for Film

The film's difficulty is that these easy beats discourage it from doing anything more challenging which might distinguish it from other documentaries in terms of structure or style.

Rated: 2.5/5

Mar 12, 2021

Full Review

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Peter T

A great documentary that shows the power of inclusivity. Each person has their own story of how rugby has helped them overcome their challenges.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/02/24

Full Review

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Eammon Ashton-Atkinson

Director

Eammon Ashton-Atkinson

Screenwriter

Eammon Ashton-Atkinson

Producer

Jared Watmuff

Producer

Grace Tobin

Producer

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Synopsis

In 1995, in a pub in London's King's Cross, a group of friends discussed the idea of a gay rugby club. From that casual conversation, the first gay rugby team was born -- the Kings Cross Steelers. 25 years later, there are 60 clubs worldwide and once every two years they get together for the world tournament of gay rugby -- The Bingham Cup. Australian journalist, Eammon Ashton-Atkinson's heartfelt documentary travels to Amsterdam as the Kings Cross Steelers attempt victory at the 2018 event. Along the way, we get to know some of the team. There's Drew, prop by day, drag queen by night; Simon, who found a much-needed support system at the club, and head coach Nic, who isn't shy of shedding a few proud tears when talking about her boys.

Director: Eammon Ashton-Atkinson
Producer: Eammon Ashton-Atkinson, Jared Watmuff, Grace Tobin
Screenwriter: Eammon Ashton-Atkinson
Genre: Documentary, Sports & Fitness
Original Language: English