Three Irish rugby teams made up of members of the LGBTQ+ community will compete in the International Gay Rugby (IGR) Cup in Oslo this week.
Teams Belfast Azlans, Cork Hellhounds and Emerald Warriors will travel to Norway to compete in the tournament, which will run from May 29 to June 1.
The competition is the largest inclusive rugby tournament in Europe and aims to promote diversity and equality in sport.
45 teams from 10 countries are expected to compete for the title of best IGR team in Europe.
Emerald Warriors President Richie Fagan said: “Warriors are committed to promoting inclusive rugby and the joy of team sport.
“As an LGBT+ club, it not only offers the opportunity to play team sports, but also creates a community where people can strive to become the best and truest version of themselves.
“With this culture, we will be able to send the largest group to the Union Cup, which will include four Emerald Warriors teams.”
In addition to the Emerald Warriors, the Belfast Azlans and Cork Hellhounds will join, making up the largest Irish contingent ever to compete in an IGR tournament.
Cork Hellhounds RFC, an LGBT rugby club based in Cork, was founded in 2020.
The Hellhounds currently field a men's rugby team and a mixed tag rugby team.
Training sessions are held twice a week and are open to both beginners and experienced players, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Cork Hellhounds Rugby Club is accredited by the Munster Rugby Union and the IRFU.
Belfast Azlans were founded in 2015 with the aim of being pioneers in LGBTQ+ inclusive sport and are the only inclusive rugby team in Northern Ireland.
The project aims to create a safe space for adult players who are passionate about rugby or want to learn how to play it in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
The team believes that sport should be accessible and inclusive for all members of society, removing barriers to joining and participating in team sports.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
