Australia Bristol Bisons Rugby Club Makes History with International Trophy Win

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From August 19 to 23, 2026, the international inclusive rugby community convened in Brisbane, Australia, for the biennial Bingham Cup tournament. Bristol Bisons Rugby Football Club, recognized as the first LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby team in South West England, secured a historic victory by defeating Chicago Dragons RFC 31-26 after extra time to capture the Hoagland Cup.

The Bingham Cup serves as the World Cup for International Gay Rugby, bringing together thousands of athletes, supporters, and clubs globally. The tournament honors Mark Bingham, a former rugby player who tragically lost his life aboard United Airlines Flight 93 during the September 11 terrorist attacks. Founded in 2005 and currently supporting over 100 players, volunteers, and advocate members, the Bisons achieved their top finish in competition history, improving upon their third-place performance at the 2024 tournament in Rome.

Preparation for the Brisbane tournament involved intensive fundraising initiatives, including a 100-day cycling challenge matching the distance from Bristol to Brisbane. Director of Rugby Sasha Acheson noted that the triumph was six years in the making, praising the squad's physical discipline and tactical composure while competing as underdogs against elite international clubs.

Club Chairperson Davey McAndrew described the achievement as a landmark moment resulting from months of dedicated training and team cohesion. Beyond the sports victory, the accomplishment highlights the strength of inclusive sports organizations and reinforces global visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes in competitive rugby.

Oceania Editorial Office：Oliver Taylor