Leeds launches bid to host LGBTQ+ Rugby World Cup

2 hours ago

Sally HurstYorkshire sports reporter

News image — Leeds Hunters Rugby is Yorkshire's oldest inclusive rugby club

BBC/Sally Hurst Rugby players pose for a group photo. Two are lying on their sides on the grass whilst they all cheer. — Leeds Hunters Rugby is Yorkshire's oldest inclusive rugby club

An inclusive rugby club has launched a bid to bring the Bingham Cup - also known as the LGBTQ+ Rugby World Cup - to Leeds.

Leeds Hunters want to host the biennial rugby competition, as well as the Amanda Mark Cup, in 2028.

Attracting up to 4,000 players, the competition is the world's largest amateur rugby tournament, bringing together LGBTQ+ and inclusive rugby teams from across the globe.

Hunters player Nathan Martin described it as a "rugby tournament like no other" adding: "It's about feeling connected, it's about being with other people that may be like you, may be different, but you're welcome."

The first Bingham Cup was held in San Francisco in 2002, in memory of Mark Bingham, a gay American rugby player who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The Amanda Mark Cup, for female players, was added to the programme in 2022.

Both competitions are run by International Gay Rugby (IGR) in partnership with the host city club.

BBC/Sally Hurst Rugby player smiles at camera, with hands behind his back. He has a closely-cropped beard and moustache, and a nose stud. — Nathan Martin describes himself as an "ally" of his LGBTQ+ teammates

The bid to bring the tournament to Leeds on 24-29 July 2028 is being supported by the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the Leeds Tykes, Leeds City Council and the University of Leeds.

Under the proposal, most matches would be held at The Sycamores (West Park Leeds RUFC), where the Leeds Hunters are based.

The final would take place at Headingley stadium, with an opening ceremony at Leeds Direct Arena, closing event at the Leeds Armouries, and an athletes' village on the university campus.

BBC/Sally Hurst Rugby player Chris Languedoc holds a rugby ball during training at West Park. He wears a purple and white Leeds Hunters tank top. — Chris Languedoc said Leeds Hunters allowed him to be "his authentic self"

For Chris Languedoc, who joined the Hunters in 2018, hosting the Bingham Cup would be a sign that "we've come a long way".

"When I was younger, I wasn't openly gay, and I couldn't fit in, couldn't act the same way," he said.

"I was excluded, always picked last.

"I didn't ever think I'd feel like this - being part of a club and an organisation that accepts you for who you are. You can be your authentic self."

BBC/Sally Hurst William McLean stands on the sidelines, wearing a Pink Pony Club T-shirt and cap — William McLean said having the Bingham Cup in Leeds would be "magical"

The Hunters face tough competition to host the competion, with five other cities in the running: Dublin, Vancouver, Orlando, Perth and Querétaro.

But Hunters player William McLean hopes the Leeds bid will have the edge.

"I just know that at West Park, in Yorkshire, in Leeds, we could do it so well," he said.

"We've got the facilities, we've got the Otley Run. Can you imagine thousands of us descending on that in colourful kit? It would be absolutely magical."

In a letter of support, James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: "Leeds prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive city and the prospect of hosting this event is tremendously exciting.

"The Bingham Cup is the world's largest LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby tournament, attracting thousands of players and visitors from across the globe.

"It represents not only a major sporting event, but also a significant opportunity to showcase Leeds as an inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant city."