New Vulcan statue celebrates rugby in Birmingham

There is a new Vulcan statue in town that is wearing a scrum cap and rugby jersey.

Last week, the 18th “Vulcans on Parade” statue was unveiled at 4625 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35242.

Made possible by longtime President and current Treasurer of the Birmingham Vulcans Rugby Club Michael Laney, the statue celebrates the sport of rugby in Birmingham

“I’m proud to be from Birmingham and I love taking visitors to the Vulcan Park and Museum to show it off. I’m also proud of how the city gets behind its Birmingham Vulcans (men’s), Birmingham Steel (women’s), and youth rugby teams. 

The “With You” statue is a way to support the non-profit Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham Rugby Club Foundation and show the community pride from all eleven companies in this building on Valleydale Road.”

Michael Laney

Vulcan depicted as a rugby player

Shades Valley High School art teacher Ashley Culwell painted the statue depicting Vulcan as a rugby player.

Laney told Bham Now the words “With You” have a special meaning for folks who play one of the world’s most popular sports.

“The phrase “with you” has special meaning to every rugby player in every country in the world. It extends beyond the rugby community too. On the field, “with you” basically means I’m here if you want to pass me the ball or if you need me to ruck over and protect you after you get tackled. 

Off the field “with you” means so much more. It means I’m here to help you find a job. I’m here to stitch you up with fishing line at halftime. I’m here to help you through a death in your family. I’m here to babysit your kids while you go to your cancer treatments. The list is endless really.”

Michael Laney

Honoring the Birmingham Vulcans Rugby

In addition to the statue, a water feature has been added.

If you are curious why the statue has the name Krebs and number six on the back, Tom, Paul, Chris, Van, Mark, and the late Eddie Krebs were the 6 brothers who founded the club in 1967.

The public is welcome to visit the new Vulcan.

History of Vulcans on Parade

Since 2015, the community art project Vulcans on Parade, organized by the Vulcan Park & Museum Junior Board, has placed 18 miniature replicas of Birmingham’s Vulcan across the city and even in the United Kingdom.

“Since 2015, Vulcans on Parade has brought the community together to celebrate Vulcan’s legacy through vibrant public art. With each statue, including the newest addition, ‘With You,’ we foster a shared appreciation for this iconic symbol in ways that connect us all.”

Cynthia Cardona, President & CEO of Vulcan Park & Museum

How to participate in Vulcans on Parade

Community members and organizations/businesses are welcome to support Vulcans on Parade by sponsoring and hosting one of the statues. Visit the Vulcans on Parade website to learn how to participate.

In the meantime visit the new rugby Vulcan on Valleydale Road.

What do you think of the newest “Vulcan” on parade? Tell us on social media what you think of the latest addition by tagging us at @bhamnow!