BERKSHIRE UNICORNS REACH THE FINAL OF THEIR INAUGURAL UNICORN UNITY CUP (Written By Daniel Darlington – MAIDENHEAD ADVERTISER)
The Berkshire Unicorns reached the final of their inaugural Unicorn Unity Cup at Braywick Park on Saturday, the first event of its kind to be staged in the area.
Eight teams from across the UK competed in the 10s Rugby Pride tournament travelling from as far afield as Newcastle and the South Coast to take part.
Having won their group and seen of the likes of the Newcastle Ravens and Wessex Wyverns, the Unicorns faced off against a Barbarians team – made up of players from all the other teams, including fellow Unicorns, in the final where they came up just short.
Despite falling at the final hurdle, it was a great day for the club and inclusive rugby in the area.
The competition drew inspiration from other International Gay Rugby (IGR) tournaments that take place across the country, such as the Hadrian’s Cup, Union Cup and Bingham Cup. Each of these has achieved notable national and international success, and the Unicorns will be hoping they can follow suit.
Reflecting on the success of the tournament, chairman Richard Dunn said: “It was our first tournament that we’ve hosted, and it was the first of its type in the Berkshire and West London area. We had eight teams on the day, further away being the Newcastle Ravens, but we had teams from West London, Reading and the South Coast. It was a good atmosphere and a great day of rugby. We (Berkshire Unicorns) got to the final and we had a Barbarians team, including some of the Unicorns, and they ended up winning.”
Since being established five years ago, the Berkshire Unicorns have gone from strength to strength, promoting inclusivity through rugby.
They cater for players of ages and abilities and the ethos has been to provide a club where gay and bisexual players can compete alongside their straight teammates.
The Unicorns play in the IGR Southern League and are affiliated to the Berkshire RFU. They play other IGR teams including Cardiff, Bristol, Reading Brighton, Southampton, and friendly matches on top of that.
The Unicorns also have a touch team which have been playing in a regional Touch League.
They train at Maidenhead Rugby Club’s Braywick Park on Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm.
“I think we’re officially the fastest growing strand of rugby in England,” he said. “We just had our fifth birthday in October, and we’re doing ok. We did quite well through lockdown and as we came out of that I think people were looking to come and do some exercise, so our membership was solid throughout the COVID crisis. Now we’re back at it and we’ve had two matches so far, and have won both of those, so it’s looking quite positive. Both teams have been doing well, and we accommodate anybody that wants to play.
“We’ve had a lot of people join who’ve never played before in their lives and others who have been doing it for 30 years.
“We provide a space for people who perhaps played at school and then come back to it later in life.”
Maidenhead RFC’s director of rugby, Myke Parrott, added: “They’re flying at the moment. On the pitch as well, they’ve had some brilliant results. I was fortunate enough to play for them in their opening game, which I loved. They’re a brilliant set of lads who are improving every week and it’s a really lovely link that we’ve got there.
“We can’t take the credit but we’re really proud of the work they’re doing there. I think it’s fantastic for our club to host such a brilliant initiative.”
TEAMS INCLUDED;
NEWCASTLE RAVENS
Newcastle Ravens RFC was founded in May 2006, making them one of the oldest IGR clubs in the UK. They now have two union teams, a recently formed touch team, and more than 100 members.
The Ravens are well known for hosting the Hadrian Cup tens tournament which last time around attracted more than 300 players from 19 clubs. They won the IGR northern league for the last three seasons and brought back the Union Plate from the Union Cup in Dublin in 2019.
Little known fact: They once wrongly eliminated themselves from their own cup due to a mathematical error!
WESSEX WYVERNS
Wessex Wyverns RFC was founded in June 2014 by a small committed group of Rugby fans. We have grown in the past 7 years and now have over 50 members.
We encompass a large catchment area that isn’t well known for its Rugby history, and we cover 5 Islands, 4 Counties, 3 Cities, we have 2 gay clubs and one gay pub!
We were one of the original hosts of the Turin cup – now the IGR league finals and were a founding member of the Southern league.
We have recently moved home due to an increase in membership and now enjoy welcoming teams to Test Park in Southampton.
Little known fact :- We are now the only rugby club sponsored by Allianz who are the main Insurance partner of England RFU and a huge advocate for inclusive rugby for all.
BRIGHTON & HOVE SEA SERPENTS RFC
Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC was founded in November 2015, just after two Rugby World Cup matches were played in the city. We have one men’s 15s side and are starting to play touch regularly this season. We have over 50 members.
We hosted our first tournament in September, Brighton Rucks with 5 teams on 2 pitches and we are looking forward to reprising this next season.
Little known fact: The Club has won the Golden Handbag for best Sports Group in the City since their foundation.
READING RENEGADES RFC
Reading Renegades RFC was set up in 2016 to provide a space where the local LGBT+ community could play and enjoy rugby. We have continued in that spirit and now compete in both touch and contact rugby, whilst creating a truly inclusive experience for all.
Following a tough year in 2020, the Renegades have bounced back with a new home ground at Berkshire County Sports Club. We also have new sponsors, Zebra Technologies and Shoosmiths PLC, who, in addition to longtime sponsor The Blagrave, have helped us to recover and restablish ourselves.
Fun fact: Our Club’s founder, Diego, has a love for setting up rugby clubs and alliteration – having since set up the Coventry Corsairs.
LONDON STAGS RFC
The London Stags are an IGR team from South London founded in 2019. We have seen the Stags grow year upon year into a thriving club welcoming members from across London.
This summer we co-hosted the inaugural London Pride 7s with our friends from Mitcham and Carshalton RFC and we can’t wait to continue to celebrate inclusive rugby at the Unicorns Unity Cup!
NORTHAMPTON OUTLAWS RFC
Northampton Outlaws RFC was formed in 2012 and were the first inclusive club in the East Midlands. As we approach our 10th birthday we currently have over 50 members and a Ladies Team.
Over the last few years we have hosted a development invitational tournament and last season hosted our First Ladies touch tournament.
Little known fact: We have developed 5 RFU level 2 coaches and 2 qualified referees since 2018.
TOURNAMENT SPONSOR
Tournament is being supported and powered by their platinum sponsor AMDOCS
The games were kindly recorded using Berkshire RFUs partner Veo AI cameras. Footage will be shared with all participating clubs to help them celebrate the day and keep the memories.
