The Bingham Cup is the world championship of gay rugby, held every two years and named in honour of Mark Bingham — a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93 on 11 September 2001. The 2026 edition brings together gay, lesbian, bisexual, and inclusive rugby teams from around the globe to compete in a spirit of inclusion, respect, and sporting excellence.
The tournament spans several days of pool matches, finals, and social events, with teams from North America, Europe, Australia, and beyond taking part. The Bingham Cup is as much a celebration of community as it is a sporting competition — the off-field social programme, inclusive team culture, and welcoming atmosphere are as central to the event as the rugby itself.
Host city venues, social functions, and official parties are organised around the tournament schedule. Attending teams and supporters typically travel in large groups, making this one of the most social and internationally diverse LGBTQI+ sporting events on the calendar.
Check the official Bingham Cup website for the full schedule, registration information, and details on the host city's social programme.
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The Bingham Cup 2026 comes to Brisbane, hosted by the Brisbane Hustlers Rugby Union Football Club — the first time the Asia-Pacific region has hosted the tournament since Sydney 2014. The 2026 edition also introduces the Amanda Mark Cup, a new women's championship running alongside the main tournament, marking a significant expansion of inclusive rugby at the world championship level.
The full event runs 17–24 August 2026, with tournament matches scheduled 19–23 August (8am–5pm daily). An opening ceremony takes place Wednesday evening and a closing ceremony on Sunday evening. Social programming — including team meetups and events throughout Fortitude Valley, Brisbane's LGBTQI+ entertainment precinct — runs across the full week.
Teams from across the world compete in both the Bingham Cup (men's) and Amanda Mark Cup (women's) divisions. Late registration is open until 12 April 2026. Contact the organising committee at info.2026@binghamcup.com or follow @igrbinghamamandacup on Instagram for team and scheduling updates.
Brisbane offers excellent access to accommodation across the CBD and South Bank, with easy transport links to the Gold Coast for those extending their stay. August is dry season in Brisbane — warm days (18–23°C) with minimal rain, ideal for outdoor rugby and post-match celebrations.