Ulster Rugby v Leinster Rugby

DUBLIN SET TO HOST UNION CUP

The 2019 Union Cup, Europe’s biggest LGBT+ inclusive rugby tournament, will be held 8-9th June, at Dublin’s DCU with an expected 45 teams from 15 countries to participate. Union Cup Dublin will also host a dedicated women’s tournament for the first time, alongside the men’s.

Nigel Owens, MBE, current world record holder for most test matches refereed, will be officiating the final in June. Host team, Emerald Warriors, and tournament supporters, the IRFU, are inviting everyone in Ireland, not just the rugby community, to #TryWithPride to enjoy the family-friendly festival, as international teams battle it out on the pitch. Union Cup Chairman, Richie Fagan, said: “We are passionately promoting diversity and inclusion in sport. We believe that rugby is a game for all. There’s never been a more exciting time in Ireland to host an inclusive, high-level rugby tournament, with a dash of glitter. We are excited to showcase pride in rugby, as Ireland has never seen before.” David Keane, Irish Rugby, Participation Rugby Operations Manager added: “Rugby prides itself on being an inclusive sport and we are delighted to assist the Emerald Warriors in hosting the Union Cup. We will support the tournament across all of our digital platforms while assisting with the delivery of a great weekend of rugby.

We believe this is an opportunity for everyone in Irish rugby to celebrate diversity and inclusion and underline rugby’s commitment to a sport for all.” WHY IS UNION CUP IMPORTANT? » » 17% of LGBT+ are members of a sports club or team* » » 55% of LGBT men, 56% of LGBT women are not active enough to maintain good health (compared to 33% / 45% of general population)* » » 84% of gay men, 82% of gay women reported experiencing homophobic insults while participating in sports* *Sport, physical activity and LGBT report 2016 - Sport England Tickets available from www.unioncupdublin.ie priced at €10 for Adults and €5 for Children (under 2 go free), with all profits going to Belong To LGBT youth services.

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