Leeds launches bid to stage 2028 Bingham Cup

Leeds has formally put itself forward to host the 2028 Bingham Cup, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ and inclusive amateur rugby tournament.

The biennial competition is organised by International Gay Rugby and can draw up to 4,000 players from across the world. The Amanda Mark Cup for women’s teams is also expected to be included in the event.

The bid is being led by Leeds Hunters, with backing from Leeds City Council, the University of Leeds, the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds Tykes.

Under the proposal, matches would be held at West Park Leeds RUFC, while the final would take place at Headingley Stadium.

Leeds is up against Dublin, Vancouver, Orlando, Perth and Querétaro. The winning host city is expected to be announced in the coming months, according to the BBC.

The Bingham Cup began in San Francisco in 2002 and was created to honour Mark Bingham, the gay American rugby player who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

For some players, the tournament is about more than competition on the field. “I didn’t ever think I’d feel like this,” Hunters player Chris Languedoc told the BBC in a 2 July statement. “You can be your authentic self.”

The event’s scale and inclusive format make it a significant fixture for LGBTQ+ sport, offering visibility and a competitive space for players who may not always feel welcome elsewhere.

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