Emerald Warriors RFC was formed in August 2003 by Richie Whyte to provide gay and bisexual men the opportunity to play rugby in Ireland and internationally and to create links with similar teams and organisations in the UK, Europe and America.
The team began playing in 2004 and took part in the Bingham Cup often referred to as the ‘Gay World Cup’ that year, representing Ireland. They competed again in 2006 and went on to host the event in 2008, in Dublin City University‘s sports complex with endorsement from the IRFU.
The event was deemed a success for rugby in general, for bringing gay rugby in Ireland to a new level of organisation and popularity by The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN).
They entered the Leinster Metro Junior league in 2007. They also competed in the Union Cup a biennial European, non-professional, gay rugby union tournament from London 2009 to date.
As well as playing competitive rugby in the Leinster League (Div 10) and at Union and Bingham Cup’s they recently hosted the largest Union Cup to date in 2019 attended by thousands with a final between Manchester Village Spartans and Kings Cross Steelers refereed by Sir Nigel Owens.
If interested in joining whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to rugby just drop us a message.
