It’s our resident host Glenn’s favourite time of the year and without a doubt his time to shine. Yes, it’s time for Hadrian Cup 2023.
Our fave twunk and his fantastic team of Newcastle Ravens are hosting their annual queer rugby tournament with fellow queer sportsfolk around the UK. Needless to say we’re excited and wanted to give you all the tea in advance and maybe even convince you to join us there.
Who’s ready to get down and dirty?
Hadrian Cup may have began in 2010 as a Rugby Tens tournament for a handful of teams but last year attracted more than 500 players across Union and Touch, a whole bunch of wonderful sponsors, more supporters than ever and of course, some incredible volunteers.
The Hadrian Cup is now an unmissable fixture in the IGR (International Gay Rugby) calendar with many teams returning year on year for a guaranteed feel-good weekend in the North East – hosted at Percy Park, a stones through from Raven’s homeland of Newcastle.
In 2022 Irish eyes were smiling once again as the Hadrian Cup was won by the Emerald Warriors 1sts for a second time running, can they make it a hat trick in 2023?
The Antinous Plate, contested by new and development teams, was won by Emerald Warriors 2nds.
We also introduced the Attingo Cup as we welcomed mixed Touch teams for the first time and this was won by the home home, Percy Park Pirates.
This year the Ravens are highlighting the work being done by Be: North, a charity founded by trans people for trans people in the North East.
Inclusivity and gender participation in rugby has taken the spotlight particularly in the last year as a result of the RFU’s controversial decision to ban transgender women from playing alongside other women – something we heavily disagree with.
All teams taking part in the Hadrian Cup are being invited to wear armbands supporting our beautiful trans community and the club are collecting donations on behalf of Be: North.
Robin Davies (Newcastle Ravens RFC Chair)
“Hadrian Cup is so much more than a rugby tournament – it is a full weekend celebrating LGBT+ participation in sport. Each time we run it there is a different challenge, this year’s being an extremely busy rugby calendar, so it is encouraging to see so many teams signed up again. We have also seen an upsurge in interest from sponsors and partners wanting to support the community, so the event is clearly making an impact throughout the region.”
Katie Marshall (Be: North Chair)
“We have heard good things about the Ravens since one of our team joined and are thrilled to be part of this year’s Hadrian Cup. Transgender people are particularly underrepresented in sport and physical activity and we would love to see this change. At the tournament we will be presenting the Trans Advocacy Award for the team who we feel best supports the transgender community and their transgender players.”
Where and When?
Hadrian Cup MMXXIII opens on Friday March 17th at St James’ Park, with the tournament taking place on Saturday March 18th at Percy Park Rugby Club in North Shields.
Hadrian Cup MMXXIII is sponsored by Bobby’s Newcastle and supported by Northumbrian Water, Greggs, Red Bull, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, and Bespoke Financial Solutions.
This years wonderful line up of teams includes; London Stags, Hull Roundheads, Coventry Corsairs, Clapham Feelers, Leeds Hunters, Manchester Village Spartans, Percy Park Pirates, Barbarians, Belfast Azlans, York Templars, Reading Renegades, Wessex Wyverns, Aberdeen Taexali and Wensleydale Wiccans, what a huge selection of talent!
We’re so excited to be attending this fantastic tournament to support our host, our local team and our trans community <3
Find out more about International Gay Rugby (IGR) here: https://igrugby.org/
Find out more about Be: North here: https://be-north.org.uk/
For Newcastle Ravens media enquiries call 07967 052542 or email chairman@newcastleravens.co.uk
