Great Tackle!

We always thought rugby players were a bit gay. We were right. derek byrne meets two heroes of Irish sport

It’s the queerest competition in sport – and this month it’s coming to Dublin. Over 600 players from all over the globe have registered for the Bingham Cup, and all of them are gay men. That’s right, it’s the Gay Rugby World Cup.

The host team for the tournament is Dublin’s Emerald Warriors, who have over 40 playing members and three coaches. I caught up with the lads during one of their final training sessions in Phoenix Park.
Scrum half Gary Rooney is from Sligo and had never played rugby until he saw Brian O’Driscoll and the boys win the Triple Crown. “People are pleasantly surprised at how good we are,” says Gary, “how committed we are and how able we are to give as good as we get.”

Being the only gay team in the IRFU league must be a bit strange? “We probably are something of a novelty but there certainly hasn’t been any negative feedback from any of the other teams.”

Team captain Ciaran O’Sullivan was more into Gaelic football and soccer before he joined the Warriors. He loves being captain of the team and says “the lads give me a lot of help, and they are so committed to what we are doing.”

When I asked Gary and Ciaran about embarrassing moments during tackles – when players might find themselves grabbed in compromising places – they both laughed. “Once the ball is kicked off that’s it, it’s just a game. We have a lot of craic with them [the opposition] but when they see the team and what we’re trying to do with the club they’re positive.”

Ciaran says the Warriors are breaking down social barriers – straight guys who normally wouldn’t socialise or play sport with gay people openly can find it a surprisingly enjoyable experience.

The Emerald Warriors have a famously active social life. I asked if romance between teammates might give them a bit of an edge over their rivals. Again, both laughed. “It comes and goes,” said Ciaran. “Sometimes it does happen but I mean the thing is, it’s a hugely positive thing for all of the members. It’s changed my life.’

What about plans for a saucy team calendar? Might the lads be tempted to strip for charity? “This has come up a couple of times. I think there’s going to be a small photo shoot coming out soon and there are some slightly racy pictures of some of the lads.”

Can’t wait.

The Bingham Cup, DCU, June 12-15. For information visit binghamcup.com