Member Article

Newcastle Gay Rugby Tournament Kicks Off

The North East’s only gay rugby team, Newcastle Ravens RFC will host the annual Hadrian Cup this weekend, with gay rugby players from around the British Isles converging on Newcastle for three days of events, both on and off the pitch.

Now in its 8th year, the Hadrian Cup is switching from a full team format to Rugby 10s for 2017, giving even more teams and players the chance to take part. Teams from England, Scotland and Ireland will fight it out at Percy Park, the Newcastle Ravens home ground, for the trophy, which has become a popular fixture in the gay rugby calendar.

James McKane, Chairman of Newcastle Ravens RFC, commented: “The Hadrian Cup is the highlight of the year for the Newcastle Ravens, giving us the chance to showcase our city to our friends, and on-pitch foes. We’re expecting this year to be bigger than ever and, while everyone will have a great weekend, competition for the trophy is going to be intense.”

Newcastle Ravens RFC was established in 2006 to encourage gay people to enjoy the sport and to introduce new and potential players to rugby, as well as developing the skills of experienced players. The team currently has a mix of gay and straight members, playing both local rivals in the North East and gay teams from around the world.

“The club has gone through a lot of changes in the past year, with new faces both on and off the pitch, so we’re looking forward to meeting up with old and new friends from the gay rugby community,” added James. “We’d also love new players to come along and join us. Experience and fitness levels don’t matter as full training will be given. We just want people who’re willing to give it a go and get stuck in.”

The tournament this year is being organised in partnership with the Northumbria Police ‘Being you is not a crime)’ campaign and the North East Community Health Service, a specialist ambulance service dedicated to health and wellbeing of our North East communities. Players will also be supporting the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign against homophobia in sport.

The Newcastle Ravens are one of 15 dedicated gay-friendly teams in the UK, welcoming all adult players and supporters regardless of their sexual persuasion. Anyone interested in joining as a player or supporter can visit www.newcastleravens.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Shannon .