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# Countdown to rugby Union Cup 2021
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/countdown-to-rugby-union-cup-2021/
- Published: 2020-05-15T12:13:47.000Z
- Updated: 2020-05-15T11:39:14.000Z
- Description: Birmingham Bulls RFC have gay rugby’s biggest star, Gareth Thomas, as tournament ambassador.
- Author: Contributor
- Tags: Community, Features & Longread, Information, News, Out & About, Sport, Travel, Rugby

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/36249011_20015009399600400.jpg)](https://www.gscene.com/arts/music/dragqueen-eurovision-raising-funds-for-lgbtq-homelessness-charity-albert-kennedy-trust/attachment/36249011%5F20015009399600400/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

Birmingham is gearing up to host LGBT+ rugby teams from across Europe for the Union Cup 2021, with host team **Birmingham Bulls RFC** having scored gay rugby’s biggest star, **Gareth Thomas,** as tournament ambassador.

Up to 60 teams from 18 countries are expected to take part and the countdown is now on for the competition, scheduled to run from 30 April to 2 May 2021.

Gareth Thomas enjoyed a career in international rugby for some 15 years, came out as gay in 2009 and as HIV positive last September.

He was quoted by [Gay Star News](http://gaystarnews.com/?ref=scenemag.co.uk) as saying: ‘As one of the most important LGBT+ sporting events in Europe, I was honoured to get involved in last year’s Union Cup, which broke down social barriers and bridged together communities across Europe.

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/39018517_209787082600.png)](https://www.gscene.com/arts/music/dragqueen-eurovision-raising-funds-for-lgbtq-homelessness-charity-albert-kennedy-trust/attachment/39018517%5F209787082600/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

‘This is such an important, high-profile tournament that really does make a difference.

‘I am proud to be an ambassador for the Union Cup 2021 and breaking down barriers in LGBT+ sport.’

The cup has been running every two years since 2005, with host cities of Montpellier, Copenhagen, London, Amsterdam, Bristol, Brussels, Madrid and Dublin.

Tournament director Alistair Burford said: ‘Birmingham Bulls RFC is thrilled to be the host club for the upcoming Union Cup 2021 in Birmingham. With COVID-19 prompting the postponement of the Bingham Cup until 2022, all eyes will be on the Union Cup 2021.

‘Bringing the Cup to Birmingham has been a dream of the Bulls for many years. Birmingham is the UK’s second city and we’re looking to giving our visiting teams and fans a first-class experience.’

The club is promising an inclusive tournament for all, ‘irrespective of creed, colour, sexuality, gender or even if they’ve been to a rugby match before’.