News / Rugby
Inclusive rugby team partners up with Bristol Bears
An inclusive rugby club in Bristol has announced it will be working with Bristol Bears to champion rugby as an inclusive sport.
Bristol Bisons have grown in popularity as a welcoming LGBTQ+ friendly club that accepts those who feel like they may not fit into the standard rugby teams.
The Bisons were the first team in the South West to play play in the International Gay Rugby League (IGR), which includes over 100 teams worldwide.
is needed now More than ever
The Bristol Bisons have been dubbed the South West’s “first inclusive and queer friendly rugby team” – photo: The Bristol Bisons
Now in their 18th season, the Bisons were recently named the International Gay Rugby League National Development League champions at the end of the 2022/23 season.
As a congratulations for winning the league, the Bisons were given tickets to a Bristol Bears game, where a conversation began about a partnership between the two teams.
The collaboration between the Bisons and the Bears represents one of the first of its kind in the country. A similar partnership exists between the Harlequins and the London-based inclusive rugby team, the Kings Cross Steelers.
The Bristol Bisons play regularly in the International Gay Rugby League – photo: Bristol Bisons
After working with local community groups to widen participation in rugby, Bristol Bears have announced their new community foundation, which will work with different groups that have historically been less visible in the sport.
The partnership has so far seen Bisons players attend a Q&A before a Bristol Bears match, discussing Pride and how it relates to rugby, with a discussion between two members of the Bisons available to listen to on the Bear’s podcast.
Speaking on the partnership, chairman of Bristol Bisons Jamie White said: “The partnership was created to answer the question of how we can increase visibility for underrepresented groups in rugby.
“We want to show people rugby is inclusive, it’s a safe space. If people are nervous about joining a rugby team, we are working to ensure people know teams like the Bisons exist.”
Main photo: IGR/Premiership Rugby
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