Players from the Sydney Convicts - Australia’s largest and first gay and inclusive rugby union club are returning to Australia this week, continuing to hold the title of the world’s most successful gay and inclusive rugby club.

With a gruelling 11 games, across two teams over 4 days Sydney Convicts A finished up in second place in the Bingham Cup tier after losing to Les Gaillards, Paris in a well fought game. Silverware was won by Sydney Convicts B team as they return home as winners of the prestigious Bingham Cup Hoagland Vase beating World Barbarians in the final in a stunning 29-7 victory.

As the club says arrivederci to Rome we return with a huge sense of pride, appreciation and warmth, having brought together a group of over 70 players and support crew with lifelong memories in what is the 20th year for our club.

A Bingham Cup tour is a magical experience strengthening existing, and creating new friendships across the global gay and inclusive rugby community.

On behalf of the club we want to share a huge thank you to everyone who helped get us to Italy - from our dedicated coaches, physio and team management crew to our sponsors, local businesses and our community who generously supported our fundraising efforts from Rugger Bugger, our raffle to our famous Bunnings sausage sizzles. A big thank you also to our local hosts and volunteers in Rome - Libera Rugby Club Roma for all their work in bringing the tournament together.

We wish our brothers at the Brisbane Hustlers the best of luck in their bid to bring the tournament back downunder in 2026, and congratulate all the other Australian teams and players who participated this year including the Melbourne Chargers - winning the Hoagland Plate, Brisbane Hustlers, Perth Rams and Adelaide Sharks.

The Sydney Convicts and the Bingham Cup

The Convicts have been part of the Bingham Cup legacy since 2004, first competing in London with the founding teams. Since then the Convicts have won the Bingham Cup 5 times and to date hold the title of the most successful gay and inclusive rugby team in the world. We were thrilled to be able to bring the tournament to Australia and host the 2014 Bingham Cup in Sydney.

We continue to enjoy the longevity of participation of our players, with several of the original 2004 Bingham Cup team still playing including Convicts B team assistant coach Matty Vagulans and players Gus Donald, and Convicts A team manager Duncan McGregor.

The rugby continues
The Bingham Cup might be over, but our regular competition and game time continues as we return to Sydney to compete in the NSW suburban rugby competition with our next game vs Balmain scheduled for 15 June.

If you’re interested in joining the Sydney Convicts we’ll shortly reopen our Pathways to Rugby program for new players. Get in touch to find out more.

See you at a game soon!