Following the momentous success of the IGR Union Cup 2023 earlier this spring, Birmingham’s inclusive rugby team, Birmingham Bulls RFC, is looking to continue its success overseas.
They’ll be kicking off their fundraising campaign in Rome next spring to help them compete in the LGBTQ+ Rugby World Championships.
What is the Bingham Cup?
The biennial Bingham Cup is a global inclusive Rugby tournament, which sees LBTQ+ and inclusive Rugby teams from across the globe come together for a weekend of sport and celebration. The tournament was first held in 2002 in memory of 9/11 gay rugby hero Mark Bingham, one of the passengers who fought back against hijackers on board United Flight 93 and whose brave actions prevented the plane from continuing to its intended target.
Fundraising activities to send the team to Rome have already generated over £1,500 with kitted-up players taking over The Loft Lounge for a very special showing of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK ahead of a Big Birmingham Night Out at The Village Inn where more donations were received.
Following their home match against the Cardiff Lions last weekend, members of the Bulls kept the crowds entertained on stage with a series of fun and games – all in the name of fundraising, too. They plan to do more pop-up fundraising events in the run-up to Bingham.
Being self-sustaining as a club and without major donors, fundraising is critical. The money raised so far has already made a real difference, helping us cover registration costs for 31 players and 12 supporters – but there are more funds to find. After all, Rome is an expensive city!
Birmingham Bulls RFC’s Alistair Burford said; “The success of this year’s IGR Union Cup – which was organised and hosted by Birmingham Bulls – shows what a progressive and inclusive city Birmingham is. We’d love to continue to build upon the legacy of the tournament and cement Birmingham as the number one city for LGBTQ sports in the UK. 2024’s Bingham Cup is the World Championships of LGBTQ+ Rugby and we’re fundraising to help get our players across to Rome, so we can compete in the cup – and hopefully bring some silverware back to the Second City.”
Donations can be made here.
