• Bristol Bisons RFC are heading to Rome, Italy, to take part in the World Cup for Inclusive Rugby (23^rd – 26^th May)
• The Bisons are one of over 100 teams globally who are part of the IGR – International Gay Rugby – community.
• Founded in 2005, the Bristol Bisons offer an inclusive space for all to play rugby, particularly those from the LGBTQ+ community, and currently have nearly 100 members, players, and supporters from across the South-West.
• The Bisons have kindly been supported by Great Western Railway and The Gifted Stationary Company on their journey towards getting to Rome.

Bristol Bisons RFC, the South-West’s first inclusive and queer friendly rugby team, are heading off to Rome, Italy, to take part in the IGR’s (International Gay Rugby’s) World Cup – Bingham Cup.

Established as a biennial global tournament for inclusive rugby, Bingham Cup was first held in San Francisco in 2002, and is named after and dedicated to Mark Bingham, who was on board United Airlines Flight 93 during the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Mark had previously played in the IGR for the San Francisco Fog RFC.

Since then, the competition has been held around the world, including in London, New York, Sydney, Amsterdam, and most recently, Ottawa. 2024’s event in Rome (held from 23^rd to 26^th May) will bring together thousands of players from every corner of the world and will see the Bisons send two full squads – the first time in its history of attending.

Speaking of the news, Bristol Bisons Chairperson, Jamie White, said: 

“We’re beyond excited to be heading off to Rome. We’re aiming to showcase Bristol on a global scale, and we’re determined to bring some silverware back home! What makes the trip even more thrilling is that we’re sending not one, but two full teams, along with our coaches and 20 supporters, friends, and family members.

“We also wouldn’t be here without the generosity of some fantastic South-West businesses, particularly our main tournament sponsors, Great Western Railway and The Gifted Stationary Company. A huge thank you to them and all our supporters, including our friends at the Queenshilling, Bristol Beer Factory and the Bristol Bear Bar. Their help has allowed us to get to this very special moment in the club’s history”.

The Bisons’ bid for Bingham Cup glory has been part-funded by Great Western Railway’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund.

GWR Business Assurance Director, Joe Graham, said:

“The Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in projects that really make a difference to our customers and communities at a local level.

“We’re delighted to support the Bisons in their quest for victory in Rome. It’s clear how much hard work and commitment goes into what they do week in, week out as a local inclusive sports team. As a business committed to supporting inclusivity in the communities we serve, we’re really proud to offer our support and wish them the very best of luck”.

Founder of The Gifted Stationary Company, Nigel Parr, said:

“All of us here at The Gifted Stationary Company are excited to be able to sponsor the Bisons as they head off to the Bingham Cup in 2024. As a local business that is committed to supporting inclusivity in the communities we operate, we’re proud to offer our support to our local IGR team and wish the best of luck to the squad as they fly off to Rome!”.

For more information on the Bristol Bisons RFC, including their journey at the Bingham Cup or how you can join the team, visit @bisonsrfc on Instagram, Facebook and X/Twitter or email [email protected]

ENDS

For more information:

• Email: [email protected] 
• Call: 07597 969 127

Notes to Editors

• Bristol Bisons RFC are part of the IGR (International Gay Rugby) South-West League, being named champions during the 23/24 season.
• The club recently announced a new strategic partnership with Bristol Bears RFC, with an aim to work closer together on promoting further inclusivity across rugby and in sport.
• GWR launched its latest Customer and Community Improvement Fund in February to support local communities and address areas of social need. As part of its National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, councils, community, and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.
• The Gifted Stationery Company has become one of the fastest growing businesses in the stationery sector. From its base in Bath, the company creates a wide range of stationery that people love to buy.