Edinburgh councillors support bid to bring LGBTQ+ rugby tournament to Scotland

Edinburgh’s culture committee have shown their support to bring the LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby tournament, the Bingham Cup, to Scotland in 2022.

The tournament which could feature up to 85 teams worldwide, from 16 different countries, featuring over 3 thousand players.

The 5-day tournament, which is technically the largest rugby tournament in the world, should Edinburgh win the bid, will feature in summer 2022, with the final hoped to feature in Murrayfield.

(Credit Monica Volpin)

Monroe Stevenson, a player for Edinburgh Thebans, who are heavily behind the bid, said at the meeting, “This tournament will look to highlight three points in the sport:

The inclusivity of the tournament, that’s what makes it so big and unique. You don’t have to compete to get into the tournament, anyone can join.

“The other two elements of the tournament is the tournament itself, the rugby and it’s also the social side, the festival.”

Monroe also spoke about his personal experiences.

“I stopped playing in around 2017, never did I think I would pay rugby as an out gay man, then I discovered this movement, discovered IGR (International Gay Rugby), discovered the Bingham Cup and it inspired me.”

Councillor Susan Rae, who put the motion forward said, “The event would be excellent for the city in showing sport and inclusivity in Edinburgh.

“We ask for everyone to support this motion.”

The Bingham Cup is the only LGBTQ+ rugby tournament in the world and is run by IGR, who represent LGBTQ+ issues at an international level.

The bid, which also has the backing of Scottish Rugby, should it be successful will be the first time Edinburgh or Scotland has hosted the event and will mark 20 years of the Bingham cup.