Three Irish teams to compete in International Gay Rugby Cup in Oslo

Eva Osborne

Three LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby teams from Ireland are set to compete in the International Gay Rugby (IGR) Union Cup in Oslo this week.

The Belfast Azlans, Cork Hellhounds, and Emerald Warriors will fly out to Norway to compete in the competition, which runs from May 29th - June 1st.

The tournament is Europe's largest inclusive rugby tournament, and aims to promote diversity and equality in sports.

An estimated 45 teams from 10 countries will battle it out for the title of Europe's number one IGR team.

Emerald Warriors President, Richie Fagan, said: “The Warriors is committed to promoting inclusive rugby and the enjoyment of team sports.

"As an LGBT+ club, it offers more than a gateway to team sports, but also a community where people can strive to be their best, authentic selves.

"Thanks to this culture, we will have our largest group ever travelling to the Union Cup with four Emerald Warriors teams competing.”

With the Emerald Warriors being joined by both Belfast Azlans and Cork Hellhounds, the three teams form the largest Irish contingent ever taking part in an IGR tournament.

Cork Hellhounds RFC, an LGBT-inclusive rugby club based in Cork, was established in 2020.

The Hellhounds currently offer a men’s rugby union team and a mixed-gender tag rugby team.

Training is held twice a week in the city, where complete beginners and experienced players are welcome to take part regardless of sexuality or gender identity.

Cork Hellhounds RFC is ratified by Munster Rugby and the IRFU.

Belfast Azlans was established in 2015 to be a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ inclusive sports. The team is Northern Ireland’s only inclusive rugby team.

It aims to offer a safe space for adult players who share an interest in rugby or want to learn to play rugby in a non-judgmental environment.

The team believes sport should be inclusive and accessible to all members of the community by removing barriers to joining and taking part in team sports.