Covid restrictions force two-year delay of LGBTQ+ rugby tournament

International Gay Rugby (IGR), the global association of LGBTQ+ rugby teams, agreed last month to delay the Union Cup, which was due to take place in Birmingham at the beginning of 2021, by two years.

Thousands of rugby players from LGBTQ+ teams across Europe, including our very own Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents, were due to gather in Birmingham to play rugby and socialise together but likely Covid-19 restrictions have made that untenable. IGR has therefore agreed to award their Birmingham Bulls RFC the right to host the tournament in 2023.

Alistair Burford

Alistair Burford, tournament director for the Birmingham Union Cup, said:

With limited rugby if any taking place in many European countries and restrictions here in England likely to be in place for at least six months, postponing the tournament is the right thing to do. While we’re disappointed, we’re now focused on delivering a truly special tournament in 2023.

The IGR Trustees added:

The Birmingham Bulls have worked tirelessly towards bringing us a high quality tournament for Union Cup 2021. As the Covid-19 situation has continued to develop, restrictions in the UK are expected to last well into 2021.

We, the IGR, share your disappointment at this development but the safety of all players across the inclusive rugby community is our top priority. We fully support the Birmingham Bulls in making this decision and look forward to joining them in 2023 at a tournament that will be a true celebration of rugby at its finest.

The Union Cup is a biennial rugby union tournament for LGBTQ+ teams from across Europe.

For more info on the Union Cup, visit: www.facebook.com/unioncuprugby/