Introducing NZ’s only gay and inclusive rugby team

Introducing NZ’s only gay and inclusive rugby team

Tackling inequality on the field...

Recently, the first international study on homophobia in sports, ‘Out on the Fieldsi’ highlighted the homophobia faced by the LGBTI+ community in New Zealandii on the sports field.

Breaking down stereotypes, the NZ Falcons RFC is an inclusive rugby union club with the goal of enabling players who may have felt alienated from the sport due to their sexuality to come together to participate and enjoy rugby in an open and supportive environment, along with others who are just passionate about the game.

• Based in Auckland with players and supporters throughout New Zealand and abroad
• Established in 2013 the Club has participated in the 2014 and 2015 Auckland Rugby Union club competitions
• Participated in the Bingham Cup (‘World Cup of Gay Rugby’) August 2014 and won third tier of the competition taking home the Bingham Bowl
• Gay, bi, trans and straight members/supporters

As a club we have grown quickly from a small group of eight passionate people to a player base of more than sixty and another seven in our team management. The club is run by an elected committee of seven which operate under our constitution as a registered not for profit incorporated society. We currently have one team competing in the Auckland club rugby Presidents grade with the potential to expand for upcoming tournaments and seasons.

What is the Purchas Cup?

This 2015 Trans-Tasman gay and inclusive rugby tournamentiii weekend is being held from 4 - 6 September in Auckland at Western Springs Stadium, hosted by the NZ Falcons.

140 players
40 support staff
1000 supporters
10 service providers
7 rugby teams
5 events
5 supporting organisations
1 day long tournament

What is the Bingham Cup?

Binghamiv is essentially the ‘Gay Rugby World Cup.’ The event is named in honour of Mark Bingham, who was fundamental in the establishment of two premier gay rugby clubs and is also internationally recognised as one of the heroes of 9/11. The next Bingham Cup is being held in Nashville, Tennessee, USA in May 2016.

What’s coming up for the NZ Falcons?

To help raise the funds required to host the Purchas up and attend the Bingham Cup, the team will be holding a range of events, including:

AN EVENING WITH RUGBY ROYALTY - A Gala Dinner: To be hosted by Sir Graham Henry and Sir Peter Leitch 29 August 2015 at the Ellerslie Events Centre

THE RUGBY BALL - A Purchas Cup Dance Party: Held during the tournament 5 September at Galatos. With about $150K to be raised, along with these initiatives, the team will also be seeking further corporate sponsorship, donations and grants.

ENDS

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