08/08/2024
Australian gay magazine DNA reports that Paris-based gay rugby club Les Gaillards emerged victorious at the 11th Bingham Cup in Rome this week, defeating the Sydney Convicts 27-7 in the men’s top-tier final. This historic win marks their first-ever title at one of the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ sports tournaments. The tournament attracted over 3,000 participants and spectators, with a successful all-trans match drawing a crowd of around 4,000 people. The next Bingham Cup will be held in either Brisbane or Buenos Aires in 2026, while Les Gaillards may pursue hosting the Union Cup, a European tournament for IGR clubs, in the future. International Gay Rugby, which networks and regulates the inclusive side of the game of rugby globally, notes "The IGR Bingham Cup is an international gay rugby union tournament named in honor of Mark Kendall Bingham, a rugby player and a hero of United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Mark Bingham was openly gay and played rugby for the San Francisco Fog and the Gotham Knights, embodying the values of inclusivity and diversity in the sport. The tournament was established in 2002 as the Mark Kendall Bingham Memorial Tournament but has since been branded as The Bingham Cup and is held every two years, bringing together LGBTQ+ and inclusive rugby teams from around the world. It’s the largest amateur rugby union tournaments globally and is organized by a member club selected by the IGR membership from a choice of candidate cities. The tournament serves as a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and sportsmanship within the rugby community. It aims to promote acceptance and break down barriers in sports by providing a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to compete and showcase their skills in a welcoming environment. Beyond the competition, the Bingham Cup fosters camaraderie, friendship, and a sense of community among players and supporters. It’s not only about rugby but also about advocating for equality, acceptance, and respect within the broader context of sports."
