From Bear Hugs to Rugby Scrums: The Roaring History, Valiant Heroes, and Rulebook Romp of Gay Rugby
Hey there, all you magnificent rugby-loving bears! While the rest of the gay world used to be obsessed over sleek swimmer’s physiques, our community celebrated the brawny, rugged frames of shot put champions and rugby players. So, grab your jerseys, let’s explore the rollicking history of rugby, where valor and fearless deeds set the stage.
What is Rugby?
Back in 1823, in the heart of Warwickshire, England, at Rugby School, a bold lad named William Webb Ellis did something downright wild during a school football match. Instead of merely kicking the ball, he scooped it up and charged forward, sparking a revolution. That audacious move is rumored to have birthed rugby, and today, even the World Cup trophy nods to him as the Webb Ellis Cup.
As the 19th century rolled in, rugby spread its rugged wings across the UK. The split from football became official in 1863 with the birth of the Football Association, and by 1871, the Rugby Football Union had laid down the game’s official rules. In 1893, a dust-up over amateurism led to the creation of the Northern Rugby Union, now known as Rugby League. Come 1995, even Rugby Union went pro. Quite the journey, huh?
Now, in rugby, there’s almost never any beef between fans of opposing teams. It’s all camaraderie and carnival vibes. You can sip on your drink, sit with friends from both sides, and if you’re new to the game, don’t fret — friendly fans are always ready to explain the sport’s nuances. Try finding that in today’s European football leagues!
And here’s a nugget for you: “Football is a gentlemen’s game played by thugs; rugby is a thug’s game played by gentlemen.” Speaking of gentlemen, let’s talk about Ben Cohen. He’s a celebrated member of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup team, and since hanging up his boots, he’s become a formidable ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Cohen founded the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation in 2011, dedicated to battling bullying and homophobia, using his fame for good. Talk about a try for equality!
The rise of Gay Rugby
The story of the first gay rugby team is woven with various threads of history. In 1985, South Africa’s Jamieson Raiders debuted as a yearly guest team, while Sydney’s POOFTAs took up touch rugby. Yet, it’s often the King’s Cross Steelers who are hailed as the inaugural official gay rugby club registered under the Union code. The true pioneer may be up for debate, but what’s certain is the expansion and increased inclusivity of gay rugby since those early days.
The late ’90s saw a surge in gay rugby teams across the UK, New Zealand, and the US. The Washington Renegades were established in 1998 in DC, and in 2000, the first international gay rugby tournament was held, featuring teams like the King’s Cross Steelers, Manchester Village Spartans, and the Renegades. That year also marked the founding of the San Francisco Fog and the International Gay Rugby Association and Board (IGRAB).
Following a successful tournament in 2000, the Renegades hosted an international event in May 2001 with players from across the globe, including Mark Bingham of the San Francisco Fog.
Mark Bingham and the Bingham Cup
Now, let’s shift gears and get serious for a moment. Remember that legendary international gay rugby tournament? It all started in 2000 when the Washington Renegades hosted the inaugural event with players from all over the globe, including Mark Bingham of the San Francisco Fog.
Mark’s heroism shone even brighter during the tragic events of 9/11 when he played a crucial role in thwarting the hijackers’ plans on United Flight 93, preventing further catastrophe at the cost of his own life. In his honor, the Bingham Cup emerged as an international gay rugby tournament, championing equality and inclusivity. Mark’s legacy continues to inspire and unite our rugby community. Salute!
Gay Trailblaizers in Professional Rugby
In 1995, Ian Roberts made history as one of the first openly gay rugby league players. He was followed by Gareth Thomas, the former British Lions captain and and one of the most capped player for Wales, who came out in 2009. Sam Stanley became the first openly gay English professional rugby union player in 2015. In 2020, Dan Palmer, a former Wallabies star, joined the ranks. And in January 2023, Campbell Johnstone broke new ground as the first openly gay player associated with the All Blacks
The Rules of the Game: Bear-Size Breakdown
Alright, enough history, let’s get on with rugby rules! Whether you’re a seasoned prop or a fresh-faced fan, here’s the bear-sized breakdown:
Rugby comes in two flavors: Union and League. Union fields 15 players per side, while League goes lean with 13. Both have speedy backs and burly forwards — Union boasts 8 forwards, League has 6, and both sides rock 7 backs.
The mission? Outscore the rivals. Whether it’s grounding the ball for a “try” or booting it through the posts for a “drop goal” or “penalty goal,” points are the prize. Convert a try with a successful kick, and bask in the glory of those sweet extra points.
But here’s the kicker (pun intended): players can only pass the ball backward to avoid fouls. If it goes forward, it’s a breather and a reset.
Tackling in rugby is a mix of brawn and brains. Only the player holding the ball can be tackled. In Union, once they’re down, the ball’s fair game again, sparking a “ruck” if more players pile in or a “maul” if they stay standing.
League likes to keep it straightforward. After a tackle, the action pauses, the tackled player does a quick roll-the-ball to a mate, and the other team backs off. After the sixth tackle, it’s turnover time.
If the ball or a player so much as flirts with the sideline, it’s out of play. Union restarts with a lineout, while League sets up a scrum — the ultimate show of force.
So there you have it — a bear’s guide to the hearty history and spirit of rugby. It’s more than just a game; it’s a testament to brotherhood and the roar of the crowd. Now, let’s get out there and enjoy the game. Until the next match, stay rugged, stay respectful, and most importantly, stay rugby. Cheers, bears! 🏉🐻
The next Bingham Cup is set to sweep through Rome from May 23 to May 26, 2024. Will you be there, either scrumming down on the field, rooting for your top team, or simply soaking up the scenery? It’s a date to mark for camaraderie, competition, and, of course, a feast for the eyes!
Reference and Further Exploration:
- International Gay Rugby. (2023) https://igrugby.org/
- US Rugby Foundation. (2021). Hall of Fame : https://www.usrugbyfoundation.org/hall-of-fame-members/mark-bingham
- Bingham Cup. (2023). https://binghamcup.it/about-us/
