The gay rugby world cup is underway in Manchester, with a handful of ex-pat New Zealanders joining over 1,200 rugby players from around the world competing for the Bingham Cup. Dean Knight, who is playing for the Kings Cross Steelers while on sabbatical in London, says the Bingham Cup is the biggest event on the gay rugby calendar, with 36 teams from UK and Europe, North America, and Australia competing for honours. "While New Zealand is not sending a team, there are a handful of Kiwis playing for teams like London and Sydney," he says. "It's been a few years since the Ponsonby Heroes hung up their boots after seven great seasons playing in the local Auckland competition and against visiting gay sides." Knight is optimistic that New Zealand will be represented at the next tournament in two years time. "Sydney is the sole bid for the next Bingham Cup in 2014. We're confident that we'll be able to put together a Kiwi team for that. There's still a loose network of gay rugby players, and having the tournament in our backyard will help recruit some fresh blood too." He says the International Gay Rugby Association and Board is looking to grow the gay rugby movement throughout Australasia. "Sydney are a strong, longstanding club and Melbourne are competing for the first time. A tournament in Sydney will help create a focal point down-under and be easier for New Zealanders to compete in." The Bingham Cup, named named after a San Francisco gay rugby player tragically kicked in the 9/11 attacks, is presently held by New York's Gotham Knights. Previous champions, including Sydney Convicts, San Francisco Fog, and Washington Renegades, along with local teams like Kings Cross Steelers and Manchester's Village Spartans, are expected to challenge them for the top prize. Three tiers of competition also ensure there will be solid competition amongst developing and novice clubs, with teams from Portugal, Netherlands, and Belgium competing for the first time. The first out rugby international, Gareth Thomas, will be attending the tournament, along with former English player and anti-bullying and anti-homophobia campaigner, Ben Cohen. Thomas has recently agreed to serve as Honorary President of the KX Steelers, the world's oldest gay rugby club.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 2nd June 2012 - 5:59pm