Drag Queens kick off their heels for annual rugby match in Cardiff
The game, which has gone viral, raised thousands of pounds for Dreams & Wishes, in memory of a close friend who was an ambassador for the charity
Last updated 21st Nov 2025
They're known as the Cardiff Lions, and this pride of plucky players have taken on the challenge of their lives: going up against a squad of fierce Drag Queens in an unmissable game of rugby.
The Queens slayed it on the pitch back on the 26th of October - competing in a charity match, all to raise vital funds for a children's charity.
The annual event at the iconic Cardiff Arms Park takes place in the city for a selected good cause, with the money raised through the sale of tickets.
For 2025, the Lions' choice is the Newport-based organisation, Dreams & Wishes, which describe themselves as a charity which is 'dedicated to making a real difference' to the lives of seriously ill young people.
They said: "The money raised helps us grant magical wishes to children who need it.
"As a small, volunteer-led charity, events like this mean the world to us.
"Every penny raised goes directly to putting smiles on faces and creating memories families will treasure forever.
"Thank you to everyone involved – and to Jay Page, one of the organisers of the game, whose legacy continues to bring people together in the most joyful way."
The game saw the Cardiff Lions take on 'Diff Drag - a team of local Queens - in an event described by the organisers as 'bigger, fiercer,' and, of course, 'with freshly styled wigs'.
The club have shared the hilarious highlights on social media - including a video of Electra Complex getting a tad confused by a runner in a giant ginger wig, Aunty Aida scoring a 'fantastic try' (with a little help with a couple of the players), and Josefeela Ma Hunt sacrificing her wig during a high-speed tackle.
Cardiff Lions, which describe themselves as an inclusive rugby team, was founded all the way back in in 2004, and their mission is to gives people a social outlet that doesn't involve your phone.
But it was only around the time of the pandemic when the Drag Rugby game started to become a bit of an annual tradition.
And now - they've gone viral on socials.
Steven van Hemmen told Hits Radio Pride: "This year was our biggest year yet - we sold more than 800 tickets, filled out one of the stands at Arms Park, and then all of a sudden, a couple of our videos went viral - we've had 25 million views on our videos!
"It feels amazing - we're doing this charity, and to be able to put a spotlight on them is so worthwhile.
"But, for us, getting so much attention on social media isn't about the views - but the comments have been mostly so positive, so lovely.
"Unfortunately, it's part of the deal being an LGBT sports group that you get a lot of negativity online, so this is really refreshing to see - we've got people from all over the world getting involved!"
'Chaos'
So, what were the rules? Well, there's one word to describe it, and that's 'chaos'.
Steven added: "Drag Rugby is the most chaotic game you'll ever see... and are there any rules?
"The answer to that is 'no'!
"We've had Queens rock up with their handbags with extra balls inside, people happily walking along the sideline telling the other players off, and we definitely feel the ref is being paid off because we definitely haven't won any game against those Queens!
"It's supposed to be touch ruby, but the Queens didn't have that memo - they're going right at our players, fully tucked, and we just love it."
Community legend Gordon Tovey came up with the idea, and told us: "Going back to my childhood, I'm seeing there's social clubs, and big community events.
"So, this all came about a few years ago to bring this sense of community back.
"This was a thing we could do that was for charity, but we could also have a laugh and raise - hopefully - a lot of money at the same time.
An 'amazing local charity'
2025 has been a deeply emotional year, especially after they lost lost one of their close friends and key organisers of the event.
Before the game kicked off, there was a minute of clapping dedicated to remembering Jay Page, who was also an ambassador of Dreams & Wishes.
Gordon added: "We lost our best friend Jay at the beginning of the year, and his parents were there at the match to present the FAB Trophy.
"That was quite a pivotal thing, because of his work with Dreams & Wishes, which is such an amazing local charity which we got right behind this year.
"We are so proud to have raised thousands of pounds for them this year, as a result of the match.
"I'm always surprised by the response - but it's things like raising so much money for good causes which makes it all worthwhile.
"I couldn't play this year, but a couple of players picked me up so I could score a try anyway - and someone on New York saw it, commenting how they just loved the little old lady on the pitch!
"There's been millions of views on social media, but not one negative comment - and it's that what I'm over the moon about, really.
"My message is to keep the friendship side of it going.
"We all sung back in the day, 'That's What Friends Are For'... I'm a great believer in that - and my drag friends really are incredible."
The Cardiff Lions say they've raised more than £4,000 for the charity through ticket sales for the game.
A full video of the match will be available via the Cardiff Lions website for a small donation in December.
And if you want to know the final score - the answer is... we just don't know!
You can find out more about Dreams & Wishes on their website.