‘Huge moment’ for LGBTQ sports in UK as Leeds wins race to host Bingham Cup
The Bingham Cup, one of the world’s biggest LGBTQ-inclusive sports events, will be held in Leeds in summer 2028; each edition of the biennial rugby tournament brings thousands of players and spectators to the host city; Leeds Hunters chair Will McCartney says the club is “incredibly excited” by the opportunity…
The Bingham Cup tournament will be held in Leeds in July 2028, representing a major boost for LGBTQ-inclusive sports in the city and in the UK.
The successful bid by Leeds Hunters Rugby Club, who will celebrate their 10th anniversary later this year, means thousands of visitors are set to head to Yorkshire from all over the world for the six-day rugby festival.
By beating out rival bids from cities including Dublin and Vancouver to host the event, the Hunters have put Leeds firmly on the global map for inclusive sports.
The biennial tournament, organised under the banner of International Gay Rugby (IGR), has just had its 12th edition in Brisbane, Australia, won for the second time by Kings Cross Steelers.
The London club were the first British club to host the Bingham Cup back in 2004, with Manchester Village Spartans the second eight years later.
The tournament has continued to grow, and for Rome 2024 – the last edition held in Europe – there were nearly 100 teams taking part.
Now players, coaches, and supporters representing dozens of countries will head to Leeds in 2028, bringing a substantial boost to the local economy and culture.
Reactions to the successful bid have been filled with pride and optimism for what the tournament will mean for the city and for LGBTQ sports.
Will McCartney, the chair of Leeds Hunters, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been selected to host Bingham Cup 2028 in Leeds. This is a huge moment for our club, but also for inclusive rugby in the UK.
“We’ve seen first-hand how powerful Bingham can be in bringing people together through rugby, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome the global inclusive rugby community to Leeds.”
Named in memory of Mark Bingham – an out gay rugby player who tragically lost his life on United Airlines Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, having heroically fought back against the hijackers – the tournament carries a rich legacy.
Since its inception in 2002, the Bingham Cup has grown into a powerful global movement celebrating courage, equality, and camaraderie through rugby.
Hunters vice-chair Ross Barr-Hoyland says that hosting is about much more than just putting on a rugby tournament. “It’s an opportunity to showcase what inclusive rugby can achieve, to create connections between communities from around the world, and to leave a lasting legacy for LGBTQ+ sport in Leeds and beyond,” he said.
The 2028 tournament will also place a strong emphasis on participation. The fourth Amanda Mark Cup, which is named after Mark Bingham’s best friend and is a FLINTA competition, will provide a dedicated space for women and non-binary players.
Ben Wood is the bid director. “Leeds 2028 will also feature a fully inclusive Amanda Mark Cup competition running alongside the Bingham Cup,” he explained.
“We’re incredibly proud that the tournament will provide a platform to celebrate the breadth and diversity of our community, and we’re excited to welcome players from around the world to Leeds.”
The decision has been warmly celebrated by local organisations, including Leeds Pride, who said: “This will mean so much to Leeds’ LGBTQ+ community and is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city, our community and our legendary welcome to the world.”
An exciting feature of the winning Leeds bid was the venues. The Sycamores (West Park Leeds RUFC) will play host to the tournament proper, but the final is set to be staged at the 19,700-capacity Headingley Rugby Stadium, home of Leeds Rhinos rugby league team.
The opening ceremony is earmarked for Leeds Direct Arena, with a closing event at the Leeds Armouries. The use of university campuses and accommodation will keep costs down and allow for an athletes’ village to be created, outside of term times.
Meanwhile, at the Bingham Cup in Brisbane last week, there was also success for two more British clubs.
Bristol Bisons won the Hoagland Cup – the highest prize on offer in the second-tier competition – while Manchester Village Spartans claimed the Hoagland Bowl.
You can find out more about IGR and inclusive rugby on the organisation’s website and social channels.
Further reading…
Kings Cross Steelers win Bingham Cup, gay rugby’s biggest prize (Outsports, August 2026)
‘I’m a gay guy who gave up on rugby. Now I’m at the world’s biggest LGBTQ tournament.’ (Outsports, August 2026)
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