Berkshire Unicorns will be holding an inaugural 10’s Rugby Pride Tournament.
Unicorn Unity Cup
20th November 2021
The Unicorn Unity Cup draws inspiration heavily from previous IGR tournaments that have gone before it (Touch My Brum, Hadrian’s Cup, Union Cup, Bingham Cup) which are national/international success stories.
The Berkshire Unicorns RFC will be hosting the inaugural Unicorn Unity Cup. This will take the form of an all day 10’s tournament between invited International Gay Rugby (IGR) associated squads. The winner of the tournament will be presented with the Unicorn Unity Cup.
Since being founded in 2016 the Berkshire Unicorns have always promoted inclusivity within rugby. Now this is their opportunity to bring an inclusive rugby tournament to Berkshire with sides from all other the country.
South Today (BBC) will be filming during the day as this is seen as another key milestones in the IGR rugby calendar as part of the diversity and inclusion.
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
The tournament is planned to be hosted by Maidenhead RFC at Braywick Park and will be an IGR 10s contact tournament.
The Tournament will be based upon 8 participating team who will play in two pools of 4 teams . The day will culminate in matches for final rankings with the winning team awarded the Unicorn Unity Cup. Expected IGR clubs will be representing Berkshire, Hampshire, Greater London, Northamptonshire, Sussex and Tyne & Wear and so promises to be a great day of entertaining rugby.
TEAMS ANNOUNCED INCLUDE;
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 SPONSORS
Tournament is being supported and powered by their platinum sponsor AMDOCS
The Unicorns Unity Cup draws inspiration heavily from previous IGR tournaments that have gone before it (Touch My Brum, Hadrian’s Cup, Union Cup, Bingham Cup) which are national/international success stories.
If you are interested in attending, sponsoring or supporting the event or simply to get more details then please drop an email to secretary@berksunicornsrfc.co.uk
TOURNAMENT LOCATION
https://www.maidenheadrfc.com/about-us/
