Manchester Village Spartans RUFC will this month travel to Brisbane, Australia, to compete in the Bingham Cup – the world championship of inclusive rugby and one of the largest amateur rugby tournaments in the world.
The club, founded more than 25 years ago, was only the second inclusive rugby club ever established. Originally created to provide a safe place where gay men could play the sport they loved without fear of discrimination, the Spartans have grown into one of the UK’s largest and most successful inclusive rugby clubs. Today, the club welcomes players of all genders, sexualities, and backgrounds, united by rugby and the values of respect, teamwork, and inclusion.
The journey to Australia has been almost two years in the making. Players have balanced demanding jobs, family commitments, and weekly training sessions while undertaking a record-breaking fundraising campaign to make the tour possible. It is the largest fundraising effort in the club’s history and has enabled the Spartans to subsidise costs, ensuring the opportunity to compete on the world stage is open to as many players as possible, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Fundraising has taken many forms over the past two years, reflecting both the commitment and creativity of the club’s members. The squad took to the stage at Canal Street’s The Church in drag for a sold-out Easter Bash, one player sailed around the Greek islands to raise sponsorship, while two members cycled a tandem bicycle from Manchester’s iconic Gay Village to Brighton. Club members have also volunteered as marshals at many of Manchester’s largest running events, including marathons and 10K races, supporting the wider community while raising funds for the tour. Together with countless community events, sponsorships, and donations, the efforts of players, supporters, and local businesses have made the tour possible.
A touring squad of 25 players, supported by coaches, medical staff, and volunteers, will represent Manchester against teams from across the globe. The squad brings together experienced Bingham Cup veterans and players making their first appearance at the tournament, reflecting the diversity and community spirit that have become hallmarks of the club.
The tournament is named in honour of Mark Bingham, an openly gay rugby player and entrepreneur who was among the passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 during the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. Bingham is widely recognised as one of the passengers who fought back against the hijackers, helping prevent the aircraft from reaching its intended target and sacrificing his life in the process. Established in his memory, the Bingham Cup celebrates his courage and legacy while promoting inclusion, friendship, and excellence in rugby, making it far more than simply a sporting competition.
Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, Chair of Manchester Village Spartans RUFC, said:
“This club is a deeply special one. We’re incredibly proud of our history of combining competitive rugby with an inclusive culture. Over the past 25 years, we’ve welcomed hundreds of people into this brilliant sport who otherwise may never have had the opportunity or confidence to play rugby.
The Bingham Cup is the pinnacle of inclusive rugby, and we’re immensely proud to be representing Manchester on the international stage. While we’re travelling to Brisbane to compete, we’re also there to showcase the values that make our club and our city so special.”
Joe Vincent, who will be making his first appearance at the Bingham Cup, said:
“I’ve played rugby my entire life, but since joining the Spartans, it has become about much more than just rugby. Being a Spartan is as much about standing up for what’s right off the pitch as it is competing on it. The inclusive environment, the friendships, and the experiences all contribute to making this an incredible club to play for.
This will be my first Bingham Cup and I can’t wait to represent the Spartans in Brisbane.”
Dylan Drein, who joined the Spartans after moving to Manchester in 2025 and will also be making his Bingham Cup debut, said:
“My first season with Manchester Village Spartans RUFC came to an end in May after joining the club when I moved to Manchester in early 2025. I’d never played rugby union before, so this past year has been an incredible experience. I was welcomed from day one, challenged myself on the pitch and made countless new friends, both within the Spartans and at clubs we’ve played across the UK.
I’m excited to play in the Bingham Cup, not only as an opportunity to represent the Spartans on the international stage, but also to highlight the incredibly important work of International Gay Rugby and the value of inclusive sports teams around the world.”
The Spartans depart for Brisbane on 12 August, with the Bingham Cup taking place from 20–23 August. The club travels with ambitions of competing for silverware while continuing to demonstrate the power of sport to bring people together.
Supporters can follow the team’s journey, match updates and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the tournament on Instagram at @villagespartans.
