The city of Leeds has officially entered the race to host one of the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ sporting events – the Bingham Cup in 2028.

Often described as the LGBTQ+ Rugby World Cup, the Bingham Cup is the world’s largest inclusive amateur rugby tournament. Organised every two years by International Gay Rugby, the competition brings together around 4,000 players from across the globe.

Alongside the men’s tournament, the event also includes the Amanda Mark Cup, celebrating women’s rugby and further promoting inclusion throughout the sport.

The bid is being led by Leeds Hunters, with support from Leeds City Council, the University of Leeds, the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds Tykes.

If successful, the proposal would see matches played across Leeds, with West Park Leeds Rugby Union Football Club hosting the tournament fixtures, while the finals would take place at the iconic Headingley Stadium.

Leeds isn’t the only city hoping to secure the tournament. The city is competing against Dublin, Vancouver, Orlando, Perth and Querétaro, with the successful host expected to be announced in the coming months.

The Bingham Cup was first held in San Francisco in 2002 and is named in honour of Mark Bingham, a gay rugby player who tragically lost his life during the terrorist attacks on the United States on September the 11th, 2001.

His bravery on that day, alongside his passion for rugby and inclusion, inspired the creation of a tournament that has grown into one of the world’s most important LGBTQ+ sporting events.

For many players, however, the Bingham Cup represents something much bigger than winning matches.

Leeds Hunters player Chris Languedoc summed it up perfectly when speaking to the BBC. He said he never imagined he would find a club where he could simply be accepted for who he is, adding that being part of the team allows him to be his authentic self.

Whether Leeds wins the bid or not, supporters say it highlights just how powerful sport can be when everyone feels welcome to take part.