Bears, Rugby & Inclusion: Recapping the 2024 Bingham Cup

BWM contributor Beltran Horisberger shares their experience of playing at this year’s Bingham Cup in Rome. Read on to learn all about the tournament, the women+ Amanda Cup, the first all trans match that took place during Bingham and just why bears love rugby so much.

Hey there, fellow readers! Today, I’m here to share the recap of an event that beautifully intertwined various aspects of my life that I hold dear. Whether you’re a rugby fanatic or simply appreciate the allure of athletes engaged in heart-pounding gameplay, this story is for you.

Growing up, rugby was in my veins—a true family tradition. From the age of five, this sport has shaped my world. Yet, as I grew older and discovered my queer identity, I grappled with a dilemma: could I be a rugger and my authentic self at the same time?

Imagine lacing up your boots, the anticipation of the field, knowing this sport is an extension of your being. That’s rugby for me—my sanctuary, my adrenaline rush. But I believed embracing my identity as a gay man meant giving up rugby. I thought I had to hide a part of myself to be a rugby player. I was convinced my love for rugby and my true self could never coexist.

But in 2015, my world changed when I discovered gay rugby. The relief was indescribable. Finally, I could embrace both rugby and my identity without compromise. Gay rugby was the missing piece in my life’s puzzle.

Joining my first gay rugby team in Buenos Aires felt like stepping into an alternate universe. As I relocated and transitioned through different stages of life, my love for gay rugby remained constant. Today, I am a proud member of Barcelona’s Panteres Grogues, fully immersed in the sport I adore while being true to myself.

The Bingham Cup

This year, my teammates and I ventured to the Bingham Cup 2024 in Rome—a biennial gay rugby tournament uniting players globally. This event celebrates inclusivity, athleticism, resilience, acceptance, and sportsmanship.

The Bingham Cup is more than just a competition; it showcases rugby’s potential to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world for the LGBTQ+ community. The excitement was palpable! We were ready to make our mark in the Eternal City, with personal dreams and team goals aligning for an unforgettable experience.

Since 2015, attending the Bingham Cup has been a top bucket list item for me. Gay rugby has shaped me into the activist I am today, fueling my fight against homophobia and promoting inclusivity in a sport that once seemed out of reach. The Bingham Cup reinforced this message: embracing your authentic self is not just possible—it’s essential.

One unforgettable moment was the opening ceremony. Held in a stadium filled with LGBTQIA+ rugby enthusiasts, we gathered to honor the memory of Mark Bingham.

There’s something magical about this event. Picture it: a sea of excited faces buzzing with anticipation and electric energy. I was right in the thick of it, soaking up the atmosphere. As soon as the doors opened, teams began to march in, proudly displaying their colors and banners. Many teams were sharply dressed in formal attire (and let me just say, there’s undeniable appeal in ruggers in white shirts and dress pants!).

The ceremony dazzled with heartfelt speeches celebrating Rome’s commitment to sports and inclusion, while commemorating the previous champions. As each team was announced, the stadium erupted with cheers, echoing throughout the venue. I looked around, thinking about the unique stories and journeys of everyone present.

The tournament had its ups and downs for every team, as any competition does. Different tiers gave all 3,500 ruggers the chance to play, make friends, and cherish memories with their teammates. The saying “there’s no ‘I’ in team” was spot on—every tackle, pass, and scrum was fueled by collective passion and dedication. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunity to represent my team and our community. Seeing other gay ruggers from around the world was both inspiring and humbling.

Beyond the matches, the social activities were where we truly connected and unwound. One evening, I found myself on a street filled with local gay bars, surrounded by new friends from all over the globe. Conversations flowed as easily as the drinks, capturing the essence of the Bingham Cup: the bonds we form off the field.

There were parties, dinners, and casual hangouts, each with a touch of Italian culture. I’ll never forget an impromptu karaoke session (because queer Italians love karaoke!) where a burly prop from a North American team belted out “I Will Survive.” We laughed, sang along, and shared stories late into the night, knowing these memories would be just as precious as any victory on the pitch.

Bear Market was a night to remember! Italians sure know how to party. Their love for Italian pop music is contagious. Every beat seemed to pulse through the crowd, creating pure magic.

The Amanda Cup

As the Bingham Cup unfolded, it was impossible not to be captivated by the remarkable progress made.  The organization has been working on itself for many years trying to make space for more inclusivity, and it shows. The result of some of that work is the Amanda Cup, a true testament to transformation.

Named after Amanda J. Mark, a dedicated advocate for LGBTQAI+ rights and a driving force within the International Gay Rugby (IGR) community, the Amanda Cup was specifically designed for lesbian and inclusive teams (the category is named “women+”). This competition highlights the talent and commitment of these exceptional athletes, reflecting the progress made in creating a more welcoming and diverse sporting environment.

Despite our own busy schedule during the cup, I kept an eye on the Amanda Cup’s progress. It was awe-inspiring to see the unity on the field, with teams playing with heart and determination.

I had the pleasure of chatting with some amazing women about their experiences in inclusive rugby. Gate from the Nashville Star Lions shared, “So far it’s been amazing, super fun, we’ve had some good games today, and met a lot of cool people.” She addressed stereotypes women face in rugby, saying, “Comparing us to guys’ teams, it’s more intense because the guys are hitting harder. But we hit just as hard and play just as hard.” Gate and her team prove that women’s rugby is just as fierce and competitive.

Next, I spoke with Beranger, who usually plays for Les Gaillards but was here with Les Simones. She proudly said, “We’re very proud of this team because we’re bringing in all the players who can’t play with the boys in this tournament.” Discussing rugby’s inclusivity, she emphasized, “In France, our women and trans players play within the main group. There’s no male or female rugby. Rugby is about positions, and people bring different qualities. It’s not just about strength, but smarts as well.” Beranger’s perspective highlights rugby’s inclusive and diverse nature, where everyone, regardless of gender, has a place. Follow Les Simones on Instagram @les.simones.rugby and Les Gaillards @lesgaillards.paris

I can see clearly that the inclusive values championed by Mark Bingham and Amanda J. Mark continue to thrive. It becomes evident in the evolution every new category brings to the Bingham Cup. Such was the case with the much anticipated inaugural trans rugby match.

First Rugby Trans Match

A history-making event, just when we are seeing so much hatred and difficulties thrown towards Trans athletes around the world, a match like this was destined to become legendary.

This special exhibition match brought together trans+ athletes to showcase their skills and celebrate diversity within the sport. The game was a powerful statement of inclusivity, demonstrating the Bingham Cup’s commitment to providing a platform for all players. The crowd’s support was overwhelming. We were all there with a deep understanding of the piece of history in sports activism we were witnessing; all of us creating an empowering environment for the players.

The match itself was thrilling, filled with moments of skill, bravery, and sheer determination. When I caught up with Tori from the Baltimore Flamingos, who also played for a combined team with Straffe Ketten in Brussels, her excitement was palpable:

“I felt like a superstar. There was this one moment where I tried to tackle someone, and this big bitch just blew me out, and I flipped over and then flipped my hair like, ‘Am I Black Widow?’ I felt like a superhero. Everyone saw that, and it was one of the star moments of the match.”

Can you imagine hair-flipping over mid-tackle and owning it like a superhero? She played the match wearing a gorgeous pink wig. As soon as she ran into the field we were all kinda starstruck. So I was desperate to know about  the decision to play with a wig, and what were the difficulties associated with that? “The decision to play with the wig is to show who I really am as a person. The difficulty? I don’t know her. I’m a professional. Follow me on Instagram, @ToriAnus.Influencer and you’ll understand why this wig never came off during the match.”

I couldn’t help but admire the declaration of identity and pride that wig meant for our friend Tori. Playing in full drag and maintaining that flawless look under all that action? That’s next-level dedication!

When I asked her about her overall Bingham experience she replied “Oh my god, amazing. I feel so welcome and so safe. I think this is the only real-life television. This was honesty. IGR and gay rugby are the only safe spaces I ever get to fully 100% be myself. If it wasn’t for the Flamingos, I would never have found that missing piece of who I am.”

Then we went through some of the pre-match preparations of her teammates. “We did warm-ups, but I got there late because I wanted to be pretty for TV. All our chemistry and familiarity blended together right when the match started because I’m a bossy bitch, and I commanded everybody, and they listened. Which was great, and we won. We all won.”

Way beyond the athleticism, it was the message that resonated most. Watching these athletes play with such passion and pride was a reminder that rugby – and sports in general – can be a force for positive change.

Tori’s excitement for inclusivity in rugby is infectious. With personalities like Tori leading the charge, the future of inclusive rugby looks bright and fabulous!

Bears & Rugby

Have you ever noticed how rugby seems to attract a bunch of us big, burly, bearded guys? I’ve given it some thought, and I reckon there are a few reasons for that.

So, let’s dive right in! I had the pleasure of chatting with several players at the Bingham Cup, and the common thread in their responses to “Why do you think gay rugby brings in so many bears?” is as interesting as it is heartwarming. Let’s break down what some of these awesome guys had to say.

Joshua Miller from the San Diego Armada hit the nail on the head with humor: “Uh, because we’re big guys who like to lay on top of each other.” Straightforward and hilarious, right? It’s clear that rugby’s physicality and closeness on the field resonate with many in the bear community. How could it not? There’s something incredibly bonding about being part of such a physical sport. Follow Joshua on Instagram at @joshgetsstrong.

Dan from the Cardiff Lions offered a thoughtful perspective, highlighting the cultural overlap: “I guess it goes in combination with the bear culture that we’re bigger, stronger, like to play rugby, get together, tackle on the pitch.” It’s a beautiful synergy where the attributes celebrated in bear culture—strength, size, camaraderie—find a perfect match in rugby. Follow Dan on Instagram at @welshdannyboy and on Twitter at @welshdannyboy1.

Andrew, also known as @bear_fist_cheek on social media, pointed out the inclusivity of rugby: “I think it appeals to people of all body types. And in rugby, there’s a role for people with all body types.” This inclusivity is vital, especially for those who might have faced body image issues. Rugby is a sport that says, “Come as you are,” and that’s incredibly powerful.

Meanwhile, Andrew from the Wisconsin Beer Bowls, with his shy charm, simply stated: “It brings in so many bears, probably because they’re good at it, and it’s fun.” Sometimes it’s just that simple—bears excel in rugby and have a blast playing it! Find him on Twitter at @abcdrew and on Instagram at @abcdrew1.

Matthew from the Tel Aviv IBEX echoed a similar sentiment: “I think it’s just a sport that accepts all different body types. And it’s a sport that needs bigger guys.” It’s all about acceptance and necessity—rugby needs players of all shapes and sizes, and that inclusive spirit is a huge draw. Follow Matthew on Instagram at @mwnrd.

Louie from the Steelers kept it short and sweet: “It’s a big sport for big people. That’s a good thing.” Rugby is about physicality, and for many bears, that’s a natural fit. They bring their strength and size to the field, and it’s celebrated.

A player from the LA Rebellion mentioned the physicality and fun: “I think it’s just because you can throw your weight around. And rugby is for any body type. So, also, later in life, that body type is easier to achieve because you’re having more fun.” Rugby not only embraces different body types but also promotes a sense of fun and enjoyment, making it easier for bears to participate and thrive. Follow him on Instagram at @philbert_rugby and on TikTok at @_lip_87.

Michael from the Portland Lumberjacks shared how the sport brings camaraderie: “It’s been pretty fucking amazing. Uh, I got to meet lots of cute boys, tackle people, score some tries, and enjoy camaraderie with other gay people.” It’s not just about the game; it’s about the friendships and connections formed on and off the field.

Sam from the same team underscored the sense of belonging: “Because we feel accepted. We feel like we have a space. Um, especially with body positivity. It’s a huge part of our psyche. And it’s really great to see so many big, beautiful boys out here.” Rugby provides a safe and inclusive space where body positivity is embraced, which is crucial for the bear community. Follow Sam on Instagram at @samthetraveler and on Twitter at @samtotravelin.

Lastly, Blake from Brussels (Brussels Trafficat), who played on a combined team with the Baltimore Flamingos, shared his thoughts: “I think gay rugby brings in so many bears because it’s not just a safe space, but it’s a… You know, people speak about positivity all the time, but everyone’s body positivity is different. But for rugby, to be a bigger individual is power, right? And in the bear community, that is also power, being a bigger individual’s power. So I think, you know, the combination of rugby and the general being big is fucking fantastic for us, and we thrive in this community. We absolutely do. It’s amazing.”

Blake totally nails it here! Rugby values size and strength, and the bear community celebrates these same attributes. It’s like a perfect match made in sports heaven!

So, what’s the takeaway here? Gay rugby clubs like those at the Bingham Cup aren’t just about playing a sport—they’re about creating a community where everyone, regardless of size or shape, feels welcomed and celebrated. It’s about strength, camaraderie, and a whole lot of fun. Rugby offers a space where bears can be themselves, find acceptance, and have a blast doing it. How awesome is that?

Closing Ceremony

As the closing ceremony approached, a bittersweet feeling filled the air. We had come to the end of an incredible journey that brought us closer together and left us with memories to last a lifetime. The ceremony was a beautiful blend of celebration and reflection, with speeches, awards, and heartfelt farewells, each a testament to the impact of the Bingham Cup.

Standing among my fellow players, I felt deep gratitude. We had shared laughs, victories, and even a few tears, pushing ourselves to the limit physically and emotionally. The club was filled with joy, core memories being forged, and new friendships being made. Finally, the music slowly faded, symbolizing the end of the tournament but also the enduring spirit of the rugby community.

Reflecting on the Bingham Cup, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for every moment—from the thrilling matches to the warm social events and exchanges. It was more than just playing rugby; it was about being part of a larger movement that celebrates diversity and breaks down barriers.

Whether you’re a rugby player, a die-hard fan, or someone who appreciates the beauty of unity, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into the world of the Bingham Cup. Trust me, it’s more than just a tournament—it’s an experience filled with unforgettable moments, heartfelt connections, and boundless inspiration. And you know what? I’m already counting down the days until I can be part of this life-changing event again!