One of the UK’s biggest annual LGBTQIA+ sporting events is about to make a return to the North East and we couldn’t be more excited for it.
We know, it’s a bit of a change from our usual broadcasting, but it’s incredibly queer coded and it’s all about fabulous rugby folks quite literally lifting each other up.
If you haven’t guess already, or read the title of the article, we’re talking all things Hadrian Cup MMXXV.
On Saturday March 8th, 16 rugby union teams and 16 touch rugby teams will commence battle in the tournament to claim a Hadrian’s victory (and a glorious trophy).
This year we’re celebrating the 15th year anniversary of this iconic event, hosted of course by our very own Newcastle Ravens RFC as per tradition.
Formed all the way back in 2006, our beloved Ravens are the North East’s only LGBT+ inclusive rugby team, constantly fighting and promoting both diversity and inclusion in sport as part of the International Gay Rugby (IGR) movement.
For the first time in its history, all the action will take place at Kingston Park Stadium, the home of the Newcastle Falcons, who are supporting the Ravens in delivering the tournament.
This allows for incredible viewing opportunities for the audience, plenty of space for a fierce competition and a fun change of location to keep everyone on their toes.
Spectators and supporters are very welcome to come along for free to enjoy a day of rugby, music, food and great atmosphere filled with queer joy.
Teams are once again coming from far and wide, the tops and bottoms of the country you could say. From Liverpool to Norwich, Aberdeen to Devon and a casual international cameo from the Oslo Raballder Rugbyklubb, hosts of this year’s Union Cup.
They will compete for eight pieces of silverware across the two codes, with the top prizes naturally being the Hadrian Cup for our union teams and the Attingo Cup for touch.
Full line up of teams below:
Aberdeen Taexali/Caledonian Thebans
Clapham Feelers/Coventry Corsairs/Glasgow Raptors/Hull Roundheads
Iceni/Lancashire Typhoons/Leeds Hunters/Lincolnshire Lancers
Liverpool Tritons/London Stags/Manchester Spartans/Newcastle Ravens
Oslo Raballders/Reading Renegades/Sheffield Vulcans/Wessex Wyverns/
West Country Wasps/West London Warriors/York Templars
Chris Buckton
Newcastle Ravens RFC Chair
“We are thrilled to be hosting the Hadrian Cup at Kingston Park this year as it allows us to include more teams than ever before and raise the profile of the event.
It’s always a mix of old and new teams coming, but what’s really interesting is seeing the same referees and volunteers signing up year on year as they know what an amazing event it is.
The Hadrian Cup MMXXV kicks off at 10am, Saturday March 8 at Kingston Park stadium.
You can click here for a handy map location of the stadium, with parking available both on and off site, along with public transport options available.
We’ll be on site doing interview, silly social media content and cheering on the talented teams of gorgeous, talented humans taking to the pitch.
See you there!
