Off the back of the success of the Rugby World Cup, pals Byron Todd, 35, Ian Chaplin, 52 and Alan Ferry, 36, are trying to attract those who have always wanted to play the sport - as well as those already playing.

Named the Brighton and Hove Sea Serpents, they will be holding a meeting tonight for anyone interested.

Mr Chaplin said: “We would need approximately 30 players in order for us to set up the club. At the moment we have about 15 current players and three or four who have never played that wish to learn. Everyone is welcome.”

If there is enough interest, the rest of the season will be spent training and playing friendlies, with the aim of being part of the Sussex league in the next few seasons.

The club name and logo was inspired by the old Brighton and Hove crest and will feature a green sea serpent on a turquoise sea.

Mr Chaplin added: “We took the colours from the railings which extend between Brighton and Hove. The turquoise is from the railings along Madeira Drive and the green from the railings by the Peace Statue.

“The idea was to use these colours and unify the areas."

All three have previously played for the Kings Cross Steelers, the first gay inclusive rugby club in the world. Set up in 1995, the club now boasts more than 200 members.

Mr Chaplin said: “Rugby is very much in the public eye at the moment and it is a good time for us to attempt something like this.

“Gay clubs are quite unusual because gay men have been excluded from sports before.”

Mr Todd said: “Joining a gay inclusive rugby club is a great way to meet new people and make new contacts. It is also great way of adding to your social life.

“I always wanted to play rugby but I never had the confidence to do so. The Steelers gave me that opportunity and my confidence grew as a result."

The meeting for anyone interested is at The Camelford Arms, Camelford Street, Brighton, tonight at 7.30pm.

Alternatively, the club can be contacted at bandhseaserpents@hotmail.com.