LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Inclusive Rugby in Ireland
Across the four provinces, we strive to ensure that every rugby club is a welcoming place where all players have a positive, lifelong experience in the game. Players can remain part of the Irish Rugby family throughout their lives, taking on roles that allow them to be the best version of themselves.
The IRFU is committed to providing opportunities for as many people as possible to play and participate in rugby, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
International Gay Rugby (IGR) is the representative organisation for the global LGBTQ+ rugby community which hosts tournaments around Europe and the world . Several Irish clubs are also members of IGR, offering inclusive and welcoming rugby experiences for adult players of all levels of skill and experience.
IGR Clubs in Ireland
Belfast Azlans
Location: Jordanstown Sport Village, Shore Rd, Newtownabbey, Belfast, BT37 0QB
Formats Offered: Full-contact, inclusive rugby union (currently a male-only team; women’s rugby is available through partner club, Ophir RFC).
Training Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Contact: belfastazlans@gmail.com
Links to socials (Facebook, Instagram etc.): https://linktr.ee/Azlans
Emerald Warriors RFC
Location: Dublin
Formats Offered: Men’s+ teams competing in Leinster Metro Leagues Division 8 & 11. Women’s+ team competing in Leinster League Division 4. Non-contact tag rugby.
Training Times:
Women’s+ ;Full Contact: Wednesday 7:00 – 9:00 PM (The High School, Rathgar, Dublin 6) & Friday 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Gonzaga College, Sandford Close, Dublin 6)
Men’s+ Full Contact: Monday & Wednesday 7:00 – 9:00 PM (The High School, Rathgar, Dublin 6)
Mixed Non-Contact: Friday 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Gonzaga College, Sandford Close, Dublin 6)
Contact: info@ewrfc.ie
Socials: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emeraldwarriors?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=M2M0Y2JmOTAyOA==
Cork Hellhounds RFC
Club Address: c/o Gay Project, South Parish Community Centre, Sawmill Street, Cork, T12 CX32
Formats Offered: Men’s Rugby Union (Full Contact), Mixed-Gender Tag Rugby, All-Gender Training Sessions, Social Club – Open to everyone
Training Locations & Times:
Mahon Rugby Grounds: Sundays 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sundays Well RFC, Virgin Media Park: Fridays 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Glen Resource Centre (Get Fit with the Hellhounds): Tuesdays 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Contact: hello@corkhellhounds.ie or +353 21 430 0430
Socials: (Facebook, Instagram etc.) – https://corkhellhounds.ie/ , https://www.instagram.com/corkhellhounds/ , https://www.facebook.com/corkhellhounds , https://www.threads.net/@corkhellhounds
Sarsfields Rugby
Location: Tom Clifford Park, Young Munster, Rosbrien, Limerick
Formats Offered: Social & Competitive Tag Rugby (local league matches),Formation stage of Contact Rugby (non-competitive skills training)
Training Times:
Tag Rugby: Mondays 7:00 PM
Contact Rugby (Skills Training): Wednesdays 7:00 PM
Contact:sarsfieldsrfc@gmail.com or 085-1449757
Socials: http://www.instagram.com/sarsfieldsrugby , http://www.facebook.com/p/Sarsfields-Rugby-Club-100089113159132/ , http://x.com/SarsfieldsRFC
©INPHO/Oisin Keniry
Being An Ally
Today, there are more LGBTQ+ players than before competing openly as their true selves. However, for every success story, there are LGBTQ+ people who are forced to abandon their love of sport due to a bad experience.
Everyone deserves the chance to participate in sport and experience the positive things that sport can offer, be it as a fan, a player, or a coach or volunteer. LGBTQ+ inclusion has no off-season and is more than 1-month a year, so have a look at our 10 tips for being an ally to LGBTQ+ people in rugby.
Top Tips to being an Ally (link this to document)
IRFU Transgender Guidance
As the game is physical, strength, stamina and physique can have an impact on safety, the inclusion of transgender and nonbinary players requires guidance to ensure that a player’s declared gender is balanced with the safety of all players.
In line with World Rugby guidance, the IRFU has updated its Gender Participation Policy, to ensure fair competition across all categories of rugby, insofar as possible. Some restrictions on participation are necessary and proportionate to achieve a safe and equitable environment.
These restrictions will depend on a combination of factors including the category of rugby that is to be participated in, the player’s biological sex and the level of competency to participate in the chosen category of rugby.
The IRFU, in conjunction with World Rugby, Sport Ireland, Sport NI and other organisations will continually monitor and review this policy in accordance with the most up-to-date research, recommendations and advice.
IRFU Gender Participation Policy
IRFU Gender Participation Policy FAQs
Training Links
Connacht https://educationstore.irfu.ie/product?catalog=SP-DIVINC_2223_CON
Leinster https://educationstore.irfu.ie/product?catalog=SP-DIVINC_2223_LEI
Munster https://educationstore.irfu.ie/product?catalog=SP-DIVINC_2223_MUN
Ulster https://educationstore.irfu.ie/product?catalog=SP-DIVINC_2223_ULS
