The Origin of The Gladiators

The Gladiators was formed in 1991 when a group of social service staff and a group of adults with learning difficulties met on a rough patch of ground to explore the possibilities of playing fill contact rugby: so started a DREAM !!!! Disabled people who had been told all their lives “You cannot play rugby because of your disability”, were now told “You can play because of your ability”.

Rugby became a natural vehicle for championing the right people with learning disabilities to participate in a meaningful sporting experience along with their able-bodied friends. Our founding slogan was quickly developed.

15 Years later where are the Gladiators? Thriving !

We were given the best possible foundation by a group of committed, hard working individuals to whom we are even indebted to. Their vision and belief in social equality has made a huge difference in the lives of so many people.

We have the support of rugby clubs form Watsonians in Scotland, Rathdrum RFC in Ireland, Worcester in England to the majority of rugby clubs in Swansea and the Neath valleys. We have no club house or ground we call our own, we have been given a home by Swansea Uplands RFC for the past 3 seasons, Gowerton RFC and Waunarlwydd RFC previously. We would like everyone to know that we appreciate their support and friendship, we could not exist without them.

The Gladiators rely on fund raising events and donations to keep the team going. We are always keen to hear from any potential sponsors. Please contact us for further information on becoming a sponsor.