27-05-2025
Emerald Warriors RFC aims to become Europe's top LGBTQ+ rugby club
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Ireland's oldest and leading LGBT+ rugby club, the Emerald Warriors, will be travelling with a 130-strong contingent to the International Gay Rugby (IGR) Union Cup, in Oslo, 29th May to the 1st June. The tournament is Europe's largest inclusive rugby tournament, promoting diversity and equality in sports. 45 teams from 10 countries will battle it out for the title of Europe's number 1 IGR team.
Emerald Warriors President Richie Fagan said, 'The Warriors is committed to promoting inclusive rugby and the enjoyment of team sports. As an LGBT+ club it offers more than a gateway to team sports, but also a community where people can strive to be their best, authentic selves. Thanks to this culture we will have our largest group ever travelling to the Union Cup with four Emerald Warriors teams competing.'
Richie added, 'Following a successful Bingham Cup last year (Worlds), our mens+ Green team are currently ranked fourth for International Gay Rugby (IGR), with our womens+ Azure team ranked third in the world.
'A tour of this scale would not be possible without a lot of help,' he added. 'We are immensely grateful for those who have helped us get here namely, The George who hosted our Queen of the Warriors fundraiser, along with Bank of Ireland, National environmental Services (NSS), Diageo Guinness, Meaghers Pharmacy, and Windsor Motors."
Azure Captain Marion Peltret remarked that, 'After our only second season as a team, it's the first time we're bringing a full women+ squad to an IGR competition. We are excited to see the newer players discover what an international tournament is. Since the creation of the team, our strength has always been to have each others' backs no matter what happens on the field. Since Bingham, we've become stronger as a team and are planning on bringing this to Oslo."
Green captain Graham Flaherty added, 'There is always great excitement within the team when we travel to an international tournament such as Union Cup. The tournament provides a fantastic opportunity for us to test ourselves against fellow IGR teams from across Europe. We are particularly looking forward to coming up against some of the French and English teams who we have played in the past, including teams from Paris, Toulouse, Montpellier and London. Our ambition for Oslo is to surpass our 2023 third place finish by making it to the final and hopefully lifting the Union Cup.'
Navy Captain Allan Rowe reflected, 'Union Cup 2023 saw the Navy team enter a new era - the tournament saw early glimpses of our team bonds. Last year's tournament, the Bingham Cup, was the most successful to date for the Navy team as we won 3 out of 5 games. Looking ahead to the Union Cup in Oslo, we are bringing 14 returning players from our Bingham 2024 team. This is the most experienced Navy team in recent years. We are no longer a team that hopes for wins, but one that expects to compete."
Teal Captain Paul Cashman noted that, 'The Teals are a mixed team of experienced and novice rugby players, our focus has been on building skill, gaining confidence and growing as a squad. Now we're bringing that energy to Union Cup Oslo 2025. Heading to Oslo we want to be competitive and win games - we believe that we can do both. The Teals Union Cup isn't just about trophies, it's a celebration of both who we are as LGBT+ inclusive rugby players and how far our development has come. The Teals are ready for Oslo, ready to give it everything we have, and ready to show them who we are."
The Union Cup 2025 will mark the first outing for the club's new jerseys made by Macron and designed by club member Alan McArthur.
The Emerald Warriors won't be the only Irish team heading to Oslo, both the Cork Hellhounds and the Belfast Azlans will also be sending Mens+ squads to compete. Together, they will form the largest Irish contingent ever to take part in an IGR tournament.
