Leeds enters race to host the 2028 LGBTQ+ Rugby World Cup
Leeds is hoping to host the 2028 Bingham Cup (Getty Images, stock)
Leeds has officially launched a bid to host the 2028 Bingham Cup, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ and inclusive amateur rugby tournament.
Organised by International Gay Rugby, the biennial competition attracts up to 4,000 players from around the world, with the Amanda Mark Cup for women’s teams also set to be part of the event.
The bid is being led by Leeds Hunters, with support from Leeds City Council, the University of Leeds, the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds Tykes.
Under the proposal, matches would be played at West Park Leeds RUFC, with the final taking place at Headingley Stadium.
Leeds is competing against Dublin, Vancouver, Orlando, Perth and Querétaro, with the winning host city expected to be announced in the coming months, as per the BBC.
The very first Bingham Cup was held in San Francisco in 2002 to honour Mark Bingham. Bingham was a gay American rugby player who tragically died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
For many players, the tournament represents far more than rugby.
“I didn’t ever think I’d feel like this – being part of a club and an organisation that accepts you for who you are,” Hunters player Chris Languedoc told the BBC in a 2 July statement. “You can be your authentic self.”
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