Back from his travels 
@samrmeredith has rejoined his clan for training like nothing has changed! (Apart from a glorious tan 
)
The main reason I joined the Vikings is that I used to really struggle with the whole friendship thing and had serious self esteem/confidence issues. I could get along with anyone but always felt a bit of an outsider. Also, other than the few guys I had dated, I didn’t really know or have in my life anyone from the LGBT+ community. The final reason was something I didn’t realise was a reason before joining but I had a lot of bottled up feelings that I never used to share or deal with and rugby became an outlet for those. So big thank you to Chris Grove who initially invited me.
What I treasure most from being a viking is that the friends I gained have become my family. I am extremely grateful for all the love and support I have received and I would do anything for them. For a specific memory, as I’m sure others will say, going to the Bingham Cup in Amsterdam and getting to the semi finals against teams from across the world was so incredible there aren’t enough words to describe it, even though we will never be able to listen to the Venga Boys again 
.
I know full well how daunting it is to not only try something new but something that can be intense, competitive and seems like it requires a lot of socialising. So the advice I would give is:
The reasons that are holding you back are actually the reasons why you should. These fears and anxieties we have, whilst completely understandable are limitations we place on ourselves and the only way to grow is to face them and break through the limits! You can do it and at whatever pace works for you but the feeling of freedom and pride you gain is worth everything!
Trust me when I say that whatever you are looking to gain by joining, not only will you find it, you will discover so much more that you didn’t even know you were looking for.
So come, break your limits! Let’s grow as a team, as individuals and as a family and let’s take on the world again in Rome 2024!
#igr#rugby#training#lgbtq#gayrugby#inclusivesport#gayswansea#gaywales#tackle
