Gay Rugby Player Kyle Tayler-Woolston Celebrates Marriage After Finding Full Support at Newport

Newport rugby player Kyle is sharing his positive experience of being openly gay in the sport after marrying husband George this summer and beginning the new season with a new surname.

Kyle has been open with his Newport teammates since 2018. Before coming out within rugby, he feared that his sexuality could affect how teammates and coaches viewed him, but the reaction he received was very different.

“Everyone has been really supportive,” Kyle told BBC Sport Wales.

Kyle found support at Newport

Kyle gradually told people at the club before arranging a conversation with head coach Ty Morris. Rather than changing how he was treated, Kyle says the focus remained firmly on his rugby.

That acceptance helped remove a considerable worry from his life. Kyle went on to enjoy an excellent 2018 to 2019 season, being named Newport’s player of the season by his teammates, coaches and supporters.

He has now made 176 appearances for Newport and was part of the side that won the 2025 Super Rygbi Cymru final. He also started in the club’s SRC Cup final victory over Llandovery and hopes eventually to reach 200 appearances.

His rugby career also includes captaining Wales Students against England in 2013.

Marriage brings another happy milestone

Kyle married George this summer and now uses the surname Tayler-Woolston.

Newport publicly celebrated the couple’s wedding, which included the first same sex blessing held at St Basil’s Church in Bassaleg.

Kyle has spoken warmly about the confidence George gave him to simply be himself around rugby, including being comfortable showing affection after matches rather than worrying about how other people might react.

His experience has also been notably positive within the sport itself.

“I have never faced homophobia in the rugby setting,” Kyle said.

He is careful not to suggest that every LGBTQ+ player will have the same experience, but hopes his story can provide encouragement to younger athletes who may have similar fears about coming out.

For Kyle, the message is that players should be able to walk into a rugby club, enjoy the sport and be accepted for who they are.

Follow Newport RFC on Instagram at @newport_r.f.c and X at @NewportRFC. Images: Newport RFC / @newport_r.f.c.

Sources: BBC Sport Wales interview with Kyle Tayler-Woolston and Newport RFC official social channels.