Written by Marco Nunn of Reading Renegades RFC
To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, I have been doing profiles of Renegades players, past and present, to get a bit of insight into why inclusive rugby is important. For this profile, I had a great chat and catch-up with Clarke and Darryl, both active members of the Club, and both involved in our Committee. Clarke is our Club Secretary, although he does a bit of absolutely everything, and Darryl is our Membership and Engagement Officer. To add a bit of context, they are also married! Here is how our Zoom call went.
Clarke Roper 
Darryl Green
Hi Guys! Great to catch up! Firstly, how is Lockdown 3.0 treating you?
Clarke (C): Hi! Yeah it’s long but we are both working a lot and can’t wait to all get together again. At least we have an end date, when we can get back to training! Light at the end of the tunnel!
Exactly! So, tell me, what brought you both to the Renegades, both starting in your 30’s?
Darryl (D): Being new to Reading, we thought it would be a great way to meet people. And the added bonus of finding friends whilst getting fit was excellent. It gave a great sense of community too, which is only a good thing. I joined first and found some great friendships.
C: When I joined it was really about being surrounded by my friends. I didn’t have any experience with Rugby, and not with team sports at all, really. I was only involved in a local Running Club, but that’s definitely more solo activity.
D: I’d done Rugby at school, but not since, not for 20 years.
Why do you think you avoided Team Sports growing up?
D: There were certain expectations regarding how we should behave and act, and I hate to say it, but negative stereotypes. Like we couldn’t be ourselves, without fear of repercussions. That’s why it makes a massive difference playing for an Inclusive team. It’s not about being gay, just about everybody being included, feeling safe and free to be themselves.
C: Even in rugby, although it is starting to get better, there are more traditional views and the macho atmosphere that makes it hard to be your authentic self. Although rugby is much better than most sports, especially football. Even with the changes, the differences are definitely still evident.
How do you think it is changing in rugby?
D: When international players like James Haskell are seen training with IGR teams, it really shows that the World is changing, not to mention the backlash in rugby that came from the Falou comments.
C: Still a long way to go, but the expectations are definitely changing, and we will feel welcome in all aspects of rugby.
What expectations did you have before joining the Renegades?
D: To have fun! As I said, I wanted to make friends and have fun whilst still getting fit. At events we have been at, Like Touch My Brum, it has been great to mingle with other players and I get to make some awesome friendships all over the country.
C: We even have friends that play for the Wessex Wyverns that we meet up with on holiday every year! We’re proud to be Renegades and to be visible out there; representation is a massive thing. Like at Touch My Brum, we had a real opportunity to represent and to have a laugh whilst really building our camaraderie. We came 2nd in the whole competition and that gave a massive sense of pride!
And finally, what are you looking forward to over the next 12 months?
C: Getting to actually play contact, as I’ve only played touch so far! M
D: Yeah, getting to actually be a Renegade and be out there playing and training is what it’s all about. The virtual sessions we’ve been running in the interim, both training and socials, are great but there’s nothing like all of us being together!
C:I really want to build and progress on the solid start we made in the O2 Touch League, and get some more wins under our belt. It’s about focus and growth, not make do and mend! We’ve got a great base after this pandemic and we will come out of other side stronger. It’s all about growth!
If you are in the Reading area and are interested in getting involved you can find more information on the Reading Renegades on our website (https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/berkshireunicornsrfc) or by searching for us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH CONTINUES
As part of the LGBT+ History month we have taken the time to speak to several LGBT+ players and allies from different clubs to find out more about their pathway through rugby and experience of LGBT+ issues in the sport.
Look out for more celebration of these players in the final few days as part of LGBT+ History Month and thanks to all those who have made contributions.
