MEET THE DIRECTOR

EAMMON ASHTON-ATKINSON

Eammon-Ashton Atkinson is an Australian news reporter living in New York working as a foreign correspondent for Network 10, one of Australia’s largest commercial television networks. Previously he was the Europe Correspondent based in London. He moved to London in 2016 where he joined the Kings Cross Steelers and met his husband, John. They were married in May 2018.

Steelers is Ashton-Atkinson’s debut feature length documentary. Apart from having shot, written, edited and directed the film himself, he also narrates it. Through the film he tells some very personal stories about being bullied and outed at school, which led to loneliness and depression in his adult life, before he eventually found happiness at the Kings Cross Steelers rugby club.

For his cast, Ashton-Atkinson assembled members of the Kings Cross Steelers who embody the central themes of the film including mental health, identity and fighting misogyny. Through each character’s story the audience learns how this gay and inclusive rugby community has helped people overcome their struggles.

MEET THE CAST

NIC EVANS

Nic Evans was the head coach of the King Cross Steelers from 2014-2018. She was born and raised in Caerphilly, Wales where she learned her love of rugby from her grandfather. Evans eventually went on to play rugby internationally, gaining 7 caps for Wales. When she’s not yelling from the sidelines she’s lecturing in Higher Education in Sport, Physical Education and Social Justice. Nic and her partner are the adoptive parents of three beautiful children.

Nic’s story explores her struggle as a female coach fighting misogyny, even in the gay community.

ANDREW McDOWELL

Andrew (Drew) McDowell grew up near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA for most of his life. He went to Bryant University, graduating with degrees in finance and computer information systems. McDowell has been playing competitive rugby for the past 19 years. Andrew moved to London when he was 25 and started playing for the Kings Cross Steelers. He says the club is his home and family and has had the privilege of playing nearly every position except for hooker and full-back.

Drew’s story explores the issues of identity and masculinity within gay sport. After organising a fundraising concert for the club one year, Drew discovered his love of drag, and ‘Drewalicious’ was born.

SIMON JONES

Simon Jones grew up in Birmingham where he played rugby for Moseley Rugby Club and North Midlands since he was 7 years old. He moved to London in his mid twenties and played for Old Haberdashers RFC for eight seasons before joining the Kings Cross Steelers. When he’s not on the pitch he’s a lawyer for Google and is close to his mum, two brothers and his sister.

Simon only recently came out as gay. His story explores the struggles he faced with depression after a childhood friend, whom he had fallen in love with, responded badly.