3 days ago
Emerald Warriors RFC win Union Cup becoming European Champions
Twenty years after the club competed in its first Union Cup in Montpellier, Ireland's oldest and leading LGBT+ rugby club, the Emerald Warriors stand out in Europe by winning the Union Cup. An incredible 130 people travelled to the International Gay Rugby (IGR) Union Cup, in Oslo, 29 May to 1 June, which spanned 45 teams from 10 countries.
Green Captain Graham Flaherty said, 'Coming into the tournament we knew if we could play to our full potential we could go far in the competition. The team really rose to the occasion in Oslo and played some of the best rugby of our season particularly in the semi and final matches of the tournament which were held on the same day against tough French oppositions."
He continued, "Our semi-final performance against Les Gaillards Paris was particularly pleasing and shows the progress the squad has made this season as Gaillards had knocked us out of the Bingham Cup in Rome at semi-final stages in 2024. Our opponents in the final, Los Valents de Montpelhièr were a very physical and powerful team but the whole squad brought an amazing passion and determination on the pitch raising their performance levels in defence and attack.
'Our match winning try came from a fantastic grubber kick down the wing by Gearóid Ó Cualain who chased and touched down to keep us ahead in the game ensuring we would lift the Union Cup. Winning our first IGR tournament is a massive milestone for the club and all of the players take a huge amount of pride in the teams performance. We will all cherish the special memories of lifting the Union Cup together.'
Emerald Warriors President Richie Fagan said, 'This didn't happen overnight it was forged through years of commitment, resilience, and a shared love for the game. The Emerald Warriors Green Team's undefeated performance at Union Cup reflects how, as a club, we relentlessly pursue the twin goals of promoting inclusivity, and a high standard of rugby. Congratulations to Coach Shane Dunne, and the team on this incredible accomplishment. We are proud to represent Ireland internationally, as part of the largest ever contingent which included the Cork Hellhounds and the Belfast Azlans.'
Richie added, 'The tournament also marked a milestone for our womens+ team, the Azures, who were Ireland's only womens+ team competing. Two years ago, we established the team in February 2023. With only a few weeks' training a dozen Azures joined the club to play what was for many their first rugby match at Union Cup, in Birmingham, in April. This year they competed in the Inaugural Emily Valentine Cup, named for Ireland's own first-recorded female rugby player. The 25-strong squad, guided by coaches Tabz Peterken and Max du Pradel, co-won the Emily Valentine Vase.'
Azure Captain Marion Peltret said, 'Union Cup 2025 has been a very intense and important tournament for the Azure team. Two years ago, on our first ever IGR tournament we didn't have a full team and this year we landed in Oslo with a squad of 25 players. Some of them have been playing rugby for less than a year. International Gay Rugby tours are always special and it's been amazing to witness the growth of the team within only three days.
'The team had to fight against strong sides, the French Les Simones, Swedish Stockholm Beserkers, German/Austrian Flying Nuns, and German/Swedish Bruiserkers, and managed to secure the joint third place winning the Emily Valentine Vase. This trophy is a great achievement for such a young team. We were able to celebrate first tournaments participation, a first try, but mainly a genuine camaraderie between the women+ teams. We were the only Irish women+ team in Oslo and we are hoping to inspire others to follow our lead. Roll on Bingham 2026 in Australia!'
Richie noted, 'All our teams put in inspirational performances, the Navy Team Captained by Allan Rowe had one of their best performances with wins against the London Stags, and Rugbi Paneteres Grogues Rugby from Barcelona. And not on did the Teal Team, Captained Paul Cashman, win the Alfheim Horn we showcased what a one-club ethos should look like with Azure players Hollie Kavanagh, Casey Schwarzkopf, Ciara Finlay, and Kim O'Neill, playing with the men when injuries left their team short. These fearless Azures embodied what it means to be a Warriors.
'The Azures also participated in the Trans Pride Match with, Orly Mahoney, Jensen Byrne and Lis Maloney, all putting incredible performances that reflected why rugby is a sport for all, that can improve lives by building confidence and community.
'I'm endlessly proud of what we achieved together and incredibly grateful to the coaching staff, captains, committee, team management, medics, physios, drivers, sub-committees, and our loyal sponsors, Bank of Ireland, The George, National environmental Services (NSS), Diageo Guinness, Meaghers Pharmacy, and Windsor Motors,' Richie concluded.
The Emerald Warriors weren't the only Irish team to bring home silverware. The Cork Hellhounds clinched the Tier 3 league title (Bifrost Tier), while the Belfast Azlans secured the Vanaheim Bowl in the same division. All in all, it was an outstanding tournament for Irish rugby.
