Your go-to source for the international LGBTQ+ rugby community. Hosted by Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna of Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby, this podcast explores the world of inclusive sports, rugby news, and the stories behind players making waves in the sport. Born from the success of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby team's social media, The Gay Rugby Podcast celebrates the intersection of rugby and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. From The Bingham Cup to international gay rugby events, Jack and Ozzie share insights, interviews, and updates from the global rugby scene.
For this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack and Ozzie flew from Los Angeles to New Orleans for less than 24 hours to experience Swamp Romp, one of the biggest weekends in gay rugby. We landed, grabbed our gear, spent the day playing rugby, filmed interviews from the sidelines between matches, and caught one of the most unexpectedly hilarious conversations of the weekend.Jack and Ozzie laced up with Round Rock Ruckus RFC from the Austin, Texas area and Jack even crossed the try line before sitting down with one of the team's most unforgettable personalities, Ziploc, to answer a question we'd been hearing all weekend: What is a demon twink?What starts as a conversation about twinks in rugby quickly turns into a much bigger discussion about LGBTQ+ sports, body image, eating disorder recovery, Ozempic, toxic relationships, and why the international gay rugby community is unlike any other. The best part is that none of it was planned. This episode was filmed right on the sidelines while matches were still going on. You'll see players warming up behind us, hear the whistles throughout the interview, and at one point play comes to a stop because someone gets injured just a few yards away. It perfectly captures the energy of a rugby tournament.Then we made the mistake we'll never live down.We left New Orleans that same night to fly back to Los Angeles, only to find out after we landed that Jennifer Coolidge had shown up to the Swamp Romp after-party. We spent months joking that we should've skipped the flight.
Who should host the Bingham and Amanda Mark Cup Rugby Tournament in 2028?Subscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast! https://shorturl.at/OztS0The race to host the Bingham Cup 2028 is officially underway, and the competition is fiercer than ever. In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we dive into all six official Bingham Cup 2028 bids to answer one question: Which city should host the world's premier LGBTQ rugby tournament?From the historic rugby culture of Dublin and Leeds to the accessibility of Orlando, the organization promised by Perth, the vibrant energy of Vancouver, and the cultural significance of Querétaro, Mexico, every bid tells a different story about the future of inclusive rugby. We react to each campaign, break down the strengths and weaknesses of every proposal, and debate what really makes a great Bingham Cup host city. Is it world-class rugby facilities? Affordable travel? Incredible nightlife? Or is the tournament at its best when it introduces players to entirely new cultures and communities?Along the way, we revisit the legacy of Mark Bingham, explore how the Bingham Cup has grown into one of the largest rugby tournaments in the world, and reflect on why International Gay Rugby (IGR) continues to create opportunities for athletes to compete, travel, and build community across the globe. Whether you've been playing gay rugby for years or you're just discovering the sport, this conversation is about much more than choosing a destination. It's about what kind of future we want for LGBTQ sports, international rugby, and the global rugby community.We also react to each city's promotional campaign, discuss rugby travel, accessibility, affordability, and the unique identity each destination would bring to the tournament. By the end of the episode, we each make our pick for who we think deserves to host Bingham Cup 2028.So now we want to hear from you. Which bid has your vote: Dublin, Leeds, Orlando, Perth, Querétaro, or Vancouver? Tell us why in the comments. We'd love to hear your perspective, whether you're an IGR player, a longtime rugby supporter, or simply passionate about the future of inclusive sports.This episode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/
Should kink be allowed at Pride? It's one of the biggest debates in the LGBTQ+ community and we're diving into it without holding back.In Episode 54 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna celebrate Pride Month while tackling some of the most controversial conversations happening in queer culture today. From leather culture and pup play to family-friendly Pride events, LGBTQ+ history, sports, and visibility, we explore where Pride has been, where it's headed, and why these conversations matter.We discuss whether fetish gear belongs at Pride, the role of leather and kink in LGBTQ+ history, how Pride evolved from a protest into a global celebration, and why understanding queer history is more important than ever. We also talk about representation in sports, the Los Angeles Dodgers Pride Night controversy, LGBTQ+ inclusion in rugby, corporate Pride, and whether younger generations fully understand what previous generations fought to achieve.This episode isn't about telling you what to think-it's about asking difficult questions, hearing different perspectives, and starting meaningful conversations within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Along the way, we debate whether Pride is still a protest, if kink and leather should remain visible at Pride events, how queer athletes are changing sports culture, what true allyship looks like, and why LGBTQ+ visibility continues to matter in 2026.Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, a rugby fan, or simply curious about the future of Pride, we'd love to hear your perspective. Drop a comment below and join the conversation.This epsiode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast. Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations about LGBTQ+ culture, rugby, Pride, and queer life.
What started as a lighthearted attempt to call out our guest quickly turned into one of the most honest conversations we've had on the Gay Rugby Podcast.This week, we're joined by Big Dipper, co-host of the Sloppy Seconds podcast, musician, comedian, and one of the most recognizable voices in queer media. We finally confront him about comments he made regarding gay rugby, but what follows is a much bigger conversation about community, identity, belonging, and the complicated relationship gay men have with each other.Along the way, we dive into bear culture, LGBTQ representation, queer creators, social media burnout, gay dating, inclusive sports, and why it can sometimes feel harder to find acceptance within the LGBTQ community than outside of it. Big Dipper shares stories from his career, talks about building a successful LGBTQ podcast, reflects on his experiences in queer spaces, and opens up about the insecurities that can persist even after years of success. One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation centers on a question that many gay men have asked themselves at one point or another: why do we seem so willing to celebrate each other from a distance, but struggle to support one another up close? It's a conversation about queer identity, community dynamics, internalized homophobia, and the challenges that come with creating authentic LGBTQ content in an increasingly crowded digital world.We also talk about gay rugby culture, LGBTQ athletes, bear community stereotypes, creator life, online criticism, queer music, mental health, and what it means to carve out a place for yourself in modern gay culture.If you've ever felt like an outsider in your own community, wondered why LGBTQ spaces can sometimes feel divided, or questioned where you fit into the broader queer world, this episode will probably hit close to home.The Gay Rugby Podcast explores LGBTQ sports, queer culture, travel, dating, relationships, mental health, and the stories that bring our community together. Hosted by Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna, each episode features candid conversations, unexpected perspectives, and plenty of laughs along the way.Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: https://friend-of-dorothy.com/Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club
Do Rugby Teams Shower Together? Comedian Joseph Schles joins The Gay Rugby Podcast!Subscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast! https://shorturl.at/OztS0Most people who have never played rugby have the same question: do rugby teams actually shower together after a match?After a recent trip to Barcelona, Jack finally has an answer.In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack and Ozzie unpack what it was like stepping onto the pitch with a rugby club in Barcelona, navigating the language barrier, experiencing a different rugby culture, and finding out firsthand which rugby stereotypes are true and which are complete nonsense.Joining the conversation is comedian Joseph Lesch, whose career has taken him from comedy clubs to performing for thousands of LGBTQ+ travelers aboard Atlantis Events cruises. Together they trade stories about sports, travel, body confidence, queer community, and the strange social dynamics that happen when a bunch of sweaty rugby players head for the locker room after a match.Part rugby story, part travel diary, and part comedy hang, this episode offers an inside look at a side of rugby culture that most people never get to see.Subscribe for new episodes of the Gay Rugby Podcast, where rugby, comedy, travel, and LGBTQ+ culture collide.This epsiode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club
Has queer visibility gone too far? In Episode 51 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, queer pop artist Zee Machine joins us for an honest conversation about LGBTQ visibility, representation in media, and whether increased visibility has helped the community or made LGBTQ people a bigger target in today's political climate.Zee Machine shares his journey growing up in Hong Kong, discovering music, and building a career as an openly queer artist. We discuss the privilege of growing up in a supportive family, how acceptance shaped his confidence, and why he's never felt the need to hide who he is. Zee also reflects on his experiences playing rugby as a teenager and how sports, identity, and self-expression intersect.From queer media representation and LGBTQ rights to music, culture, and authenticity, this episode explores some of the biggest questions facing the queer community today.Subscribe for more conversations about LGBTQ culture, rugby, sports, entertainment, and queer life.Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: https://friend-of-dorothy.com/Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club
Why do gay men love bald, grumpy guys? On Episode 50 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we sit down with Emmy-nominated filmmaker, artist, and content creator Marquis the Honeybear to unpack attraction, confidence, masculinity, body politics, and the psychology behind “types” in gay dating culture.Marquise the Honeybear is known for blending comedy, queer storytelling, and conversations around Black queer identity, body positivity, nightlife culture, and self-expression. He’s also the writer, director, and star of the upcoming film “Ornithomancy,” a bold new independent project exploring queer identity and human connection.In this episode, we debate why bald men are so attractive, whether “grumpy guy energy” is secretly hot, and the difference between confidence and bitterness. We also get into body politics in the LGBTQ+ community, beauty standards, attraction psychology, queer masculinity, dating preferences, self-image, and how gay men navigate desirability and authenticity.We also discuss why certain personality traits become attractive, how confidence changes the way people are perceived, and why knowing exactly who you are can be more attractive than trying to please everyone.The Gay Rugby Podcast explores queer culture, LGBTQ+ identity, sports, masculinity, dating, nightlife, body image, and the conversations happening inside the gay community right now. This episode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/
Gay rugby players play would you rather on the latest podcast episode! Subscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast! https://shorturl.at/OztS0In Episode 49 of The Gay Rugby Podcast, a group of gay rugby players sit down to play Would You Rather and it gets honest fast. What starts as a simple game turns into a series of uncomfortable choices, unexpected takes, and moments that say more than anyone planned to reveal.This episode is exactly what it sounds like: gay rugby players answering tough, funny, and occasionally chaotic questions on mic, with no real way to dodge them. It’s a look at how these guys think when the answers actually matter—or at least feel like they do in the moment.Recorded for The Gay Rugby Podcast, this one leans into quick reactions, real opinions, and the kind of conversations that come out when you stop overthinking and just answer the question.Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: https://friend-of-dorothy.com/Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie Luna
What is a “Side” | Gay dating terminology explained by gay rugby playersThis episode starts with a question that’s been showing up more in dating conversations and apps lately: what does it actually mean to be a “side”? We break down the basics of “top,” “bottom,” and the newer term “side,” which refers to guys who are into intimacy, but don’t include bottom or top in what they want.We talk about labels, communication, and where preference ends and misunderstanding begins.Is being a side selfish? Or is that just what it looks like when people aren’t familiar with the term yet? At the end of the day, it’s about how people define themselves—and how we talk about what we want without judgment. This epsiode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/
Michael Henry on why Gay Culture is a delicate ecosystemSubscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast! https://shorturl.at/OztS0What happens if you try to delete part of gay culture and who actually gets to decide what stays?In Episode 47 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, recorded in Los Angeles, we sit down with comedian Michael Henry and pull on that thread. What starts as a simple question turns into a wide-open conversation about how gay culture actually works right now, less like a clean narrative and more like a living ecosystem, where everything from gay dating apps to nightlife, from therapy language to hookup culture, is connected whether people like it or not.We talk about what’s shaping modern gay relationships in 2026, and why gay dating culture still revolves around apps like Grindr even as more people burn out on them. Grindr culture has made connection instant, but also disposable, and that tension shows up in everything from how people present themselves to the biggest unspoken lies people tell on dating apps. At the same time, there’s a quiet shift happening; cruising culture and real-life interaction are creeping back in, as people start looking for something that feels less curated and more immediate.Language plays its own role in all of this. Gay slang evolves fast, and terms like “trade” don’t mean what they used to. What once described a specific type now floats somewhere between identity and attraction, reflecting how fluid gay identity has become. That same fluidity shows up in how people think about themselves, especially with the rise of therapy culture in the LGBTQ community, where self-awareness, boundaries, and “doing the work” are part of everyday conversation, for better or worse.Then there’s the visual side of it. Body image in gay culture is still front and center, especially in cities like LA, where the pressure to look a certain way hasn’t gone anywhere; it’s just evolved. Whether it’s gym culture, cosmetic tweaks, or the way people curate themselves online, there’s a constant push and pull between authenticity and performance.All of it feeds into a bigger question about cancel culture in LGBTQ spaces. If something feels toxic, outdated, or fake, should it be removed? Or does taking one piece out of the equation change everything else? The more we dig into it, the clearer it becomes that gay culture isn’t built to be simplified. It’s messy, contradictory, and constantly evolving—and that might be the point.Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: https://friend-of-dorothy.com/Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club
What does it mean when you don’t believe in God, but still find yourself asking for forgiveness anyway? In this episode of The Gay Rugby Podcast, comedian Matt LeGrand joins the conversation to talk about spending 20 years as a missionary, unpacking religion, identity, and what happens when belief systems start to fall apart but the habits remain.They get into religious conditioning, guilt, sexuality, and the strange ways those early teachings stick with you long after you’ve moved on. It’s a conversation about faith, deconstruction, and the lingering voice of conscience that doesn’t always match what you believe anymore. And what does rugby have to do with spirituality? A mix of comedy and honesty about where you come from, and what it takes to unlearn it.
Episode 45 of the Gay Rugby Podcast gets into a side of queer culture that people see online all the time but rarely hear explained by the people actually living it. We sat down with Pup Odie and Pup Hex, both rugby players, to talk about what pup play really is and how they found their way into the pup community. The conversation starts simple — what is pup play, what does puppy play actually mean — but it quickly turns into something more personal. They talk about the first time putting on a pup mask, the confidence that can come with it, and why anonymity can feel freeing instead of hiding. We also get into how someone new might approach it. What “pup play for beginners” actually looks like, how people find others, and what it means to be part of a gay pup community in real life, not just online. There’s a lot of misunderstanding around it, especially when people compare pup play vs furry, so we take the time to break that down in a way that actually makes sense. Like most things we talk about on the podcast, it’s less about labels and more about why people are drawn to it. For some it’s about identity, for others it’s about connection, and for a lot of guys it’s just a way to step out of their own head for a bit. If you’ve ever searched what is puppy play, been curious about pup hoods, or wondered how people get involved in the pup community, this is a real conversation with people who are actually in it. The Gay Rugby Podcast is Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.
A year ago, we sat down to record the first episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast without really knowing what it would become.Twelve months later, we found ourselves in Boston for the NORAM Cup, in New Orleans for Swamp Romp, at LA 7s during Pride weekend, and in Palm Springs with a camera bag, a couple microphones, and a growing list of people we were lucky enough to meet along the way.Episode 44 is us looking back at that first year. We talk about the weekends that got out of hand, the interviews we still can’t believe happened, the people who started as guests and ended up as friends, and the strange reality that this little rugby podcast somehow turned into a reason to travel, meet people from around the world, and keep saying yes to things.There are stories from Boston bars after the NORAM Cup, late nights in New Orleans during Swamp Romp, and the chaos of trying to cover LA 7s while everybody we knew seemed to be there at once. Somewhere between all of that, the podcast stopped being just about rugby and became a record of the people, places, and community that came with it.Thanks for being part of the first year.New episodes every week.
Drag Queen La Mama Dora opens up about her past playing rugby, long before she was going viral on TikTok as a chaotic, hilarious take on Dora the Explorer. In this episode, La Mama Dora tells the story of how a former club rugby player became one of the internet’s favorite drag queens, building an audience through drag TikTok, LGBTQ comedy, and her now-iconic Dora impression.We talk about what it was like growing up, finding confidence through rugby, and eventually finding her real community through queer nightlife and drag culture. La Mama Dora explains how she started making TikTok videos, why her Dora character took off, and how going viral changed her life. Along the way, we get into drag queen origin stories, coming out, queer friendship, chosen family, and meeting Ozzy for the first time.Of course, we also settle the debate nobody saw coming: is rugby actually safer than drag? After years of playing club rugby, La Mama Dora says the only thing that ever seriously injured her was performing in drag. She opens up about breaking her shoulder, why drag performance can be more intense than people think, and why she still believes rugby is less dangerous than a night in heels.If you’re into drag queens, rugby stories, TikTok creators, queer podcasts, LGBTQ interviews, viral internet personalities, club rugby, gay athletes, drag culture, coming out stories, queer comedy, Los Angeles drag, gay sports, or behind-the-scenes stories about going viral on TikTok, this episode is for you.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaEmpowered by Friend of Dorothy:Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.Connect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Follow and support La Mama Dora: https://linktr.ee/LaMamaDoraxViews and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club
Bradley Johnson is about to have a very public week. With Hulu’s new reality dating show Love Overboard set to drop, his audience is getting a lot bigger and a lot more curious about what he’s been posting online.In this episode, we sit down with Bradley in the middle of that moment. What starts as a conversation about fitness content quickly turns into something else: a look at how certain audiences find creators, and what happens when those creators realize exactly who’s watching. The “gainer community” has been showing up in his comments, his DMs, and his numbers. The question is whether that’s coincidence, algorithm, or something more intentional.We get into where people draw the line between queerbaiting and just playing the game, and whether that line even exists anymore. Bradley talks about going viral, what kind of attention actually translates into money, and how aware you have to be of your audience once things start to take off. It’s messy in a way that feels honest less about calling anyone out, more about understanding how the internet works when it’s at its most specific.There’s also the reality TV angle. Love Overboard: Hulu’s new dating show set on a yacht, somewhere between chaos and strategy adds another layer to all of this. Timing matters, and right now Bradley’s at the intersection of online attention and mainstream exposure.If you’ve been seeing this kind of content pop up more and more, you’re not imagining it. The internet is getting more targeted, more self-aware, and harder to separate from the people trying to figure it out in real time.Watch Love Overboard on Hulu and decide for yourself.
Every gay guy who’s spent time on Grindr has seen it, the bios that immediately make you pause, laugh, or close the app. In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna talk through some of the worst things people put in their Grindr bios, the profile lines that have somehow become normal on gay dating apps, and the small details that turn a profile into an instant red flag.The conversation drifts into catfish scams on Grindr and other dating apps, something both of them say they’re seeing more often. Fake profiles, strange messages, and the moment when a normal conversation suddenly turns into someone asking for money. If you’ve spent time on gay hookup apps or dating apps for gay men, you’ve probably seen the pattern.The episode also includes a recap of Swamp Romp 2026 in New Orleans, a weekend that brings together teams from across the gay rugby community for a tournament and a lot of time off the field. While in New Orleans, Jack and Ozzie linked up with players from Round Rock Rugby, Austin’s LGBTQ-inclusive rugby team, and spent the weekend around the broader inclusive rugby scene.New Orleans has its own inclusive rugby presence as well with teams like the Crescent City Rougaroux, an LGBTQ-inclusive rugby club founded in 2017 that focuses on building community through the sport.The episode moves between tournament stories, travel, dating app culture, and the overlap between gay sports culture and the realities of modern gay dating. It’s a mix of rugby stories, Grindr observations, and the kind of conversations that happen after a tournament weekend when everyone’s back from the pitch and scrolling their phones again.Empowered by Friend of Dorothyhttps://www.friendofdorothy.comSubscribe for more episodes of the Gay Rugby Podcast covering gay rugby, LGBTQ athletes, gay sports culture, and the conversations that happen around the sport.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club
In Episode 40 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna face off in a Heated Rivalry Heads Up challenge. The game is simple: guess the name on the screen before the timer runs out. In reality, it turns into chaotic clues, missed guesses, and plenty of rugby banter.The challenge is inspired by the popularity of Heated Rivalry, the bestselling sports romance novel by Rachel Reid from the Game Changers book series. The story follows rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, whose on-ice rivalry evolves into a secret relationship that became a massive hit with fans of queer sports romance.In the TV adaptation of Heated Rivalry, Hudson Williams plays Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie plays Ilya Rozanov, bringing the iconic hockey rivalry to life on screen.While Jack and Ozzie are rugby players instead of hockey players, the competitive energy of a heated rivalry between athletes definitely translates. This Heated Rivalry Heads Up game turns that concept into a fast-paced guessing challenge where the clues aren’t always helpful and the competition gets ridiculous.The Gay Rugby Podcast explores gay rugby, LGBTQ athletes in sports, and the culture around inclusive rugby. Sometimes that means serious conversations about rugby and identity, and sometimes it’s games like this Heated Rivalry challenge.Watch the full episode to see who wins the Heated Rivalry Heads Up challenge.
On Friday, March 27th, at the Swamp Romp Rugby Tournament in New Orleans, we recorded this episode live on the ground as the conversation around USA Rugby’s new gender eligibility policy unfolded in real time. USA Rugby has updated its transgender athlete policy, creating a new competitive structure that effectively removes trans women from the Women’s Division and shifts participation into an open framework. In this episode, we break down who this policy impacts, what actually changed, and why it matters for players and clubs across the country. What does this mean for women’s rugby participation? How will the new open division function in practice? Where do trans athletes fit within competitive rugby moving forward? And why did this decision land now? Our guest for this conversation is trans woman and rugby player Jacqueline Congdon. She shares perspective from inside the sport and what these policy shifts mean for athletes directly affected. The episode is hosted by Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna, recorded in community alongside players and tournament attendees who are navigating this change in real time.We also look at how organizations like International Gay Rugby have responded by reaffirming commitments to transgender and non-binary inclusion in rugby spaces. That contrast highlights the broader debate around inclusion in sport, competitive balance, and governance.This conversation explores transgender rugby policy updates, gender eligibility rules, and how national decisions ripple down to local clubs and tournaments. It’s not about taking headlines at face value - it’s about understanding what the policy says, how it’s being interpreted, and what happens next for the rugby community. This episode is sponsored by Hey Sweet Cheeks, supporting the work we’re doing to bring real conversations about rugby, identity, and sport to the forefront. Check them out at https://heysweetcheeks.co/ If you care about rugby culture, LGBTQ representation in sport, or how policy changes impact athletes on the field, this is a discussion worth hearing.
In Episode 38 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we dive into the messy reality of gay dating culture, dating apps, and the strange loneliness that can creep in even when you’ve never had more access to other people. With endless swiping, DMs, open tabs, and options everywhere, real connection can start to feel harder to hold onto.We talk about the shift from organic meet-cutes to algorithm-driven attraction, how hookup culture can sometimes feel transactional, and why so many gay men admit they feel emotionally unavailable even when they’re constantly “connecting.” There’s something strange about living in a time where validation is instant but intimacy feels rare.From FOMO and decision paralysis to open relationships and independence, this conversation gets honest about what modern gay relationships actually look like. We unpack the pressure to keep searching for something better, the fear of settling, and the uncomfortable truth that happiness isn’t something you swipe into; it’s something you build.It’s funny, raw, a little dramatic, and very real. If you’ve ever felt exhausted by dating apps, confused by modern gay dating, or caught between craving connection and protecting your independence, this episode will probably hit close to home.
Episode 37 of The Gay Rugby Podcast dives into Bad Bunny’s 2026 Super Bowl halftime show from a hot tub. Filmed the week after the Patriots vs. Seahawks game, this episode turns into a full conversation about the performance and the reaction from the Latinx community, especially what it meant for fans who felt represented on that stage.Ozzie talks about what it was like watching the performance growing up in a Mexican household and why the moment hit differently, while the guys get into the set design, choreography, lighting, and the kind of energy that had everyone talking the next day. It’s part pop culture breakdown, part personal perspective, and very much a hot-tub recap of a halftime show that felt bigger than just music.The Gay Rugby Podcast is a rugby and LGBTQ sports podcast covering gay rugby players, queer athletes in contact sports, and whatever else the group can’t stop talking about that week. Episode 37 is a direct reaction to Bad Bunny’s halftime performance and why it resonated so strongly with Latinx fans and the broader sports and entertainment world.
