The Bingham Cup Brisbane 2026 was four “unforgettable” days of rugby, friendship, community and inclusion that brought players and their clubs, volunteers and supporters from around the world together in Australia.
From the opening whistle to the final celebrations, the tournament showcased the very best of rugby and the unique spirit of the International Gay Rugby community.
The competition took place Aug. 19-23.
The tournament also saw 12 teams crowned champions across the Bingham, Amanda Mark, Hoagland and Challenger competitions:
- Bingham Cup: Kings Cross Steelers
- Amanda Mark Cup: Ottawa Wolves
- Bingham Plate: Seattle Quake RFC
- Bingham Bowl: Sydney Convicts Old Boys
- Bingham Shield: Gotham Knights
- Hoagland Cup: Bristol Bisons
- Hoagland Plate: Columbus Coyotes
- Hoagland Bowl: Manchester Village Spartans
- Hoagland Shield: Amsterdam Lowlanders
- Challenger Cup: Adelaide-Tokyo Brats-Sharks
- Challenger Plate: Dallas Lost Souls
- Challenger Stein: Perth Rams
The 2026 tournament marked a special milestone for both champions: the Kings Cross Steelers claimed the Bingham Cup for the second time, adding another chapter to their remarkable tournament history. The Ottawa Wolves also secured the Amanda Mark Cup for the second time, once again demonstrating their strength and determination.
“While lifting a trophy is a special achievement, the Bingham Cup is about something much bigger than the scoreboard, bringing people together through rugby, building friendships and creating a community where everyone can belong,” a spokesperson said.
A celebration of Mark Bingham’s legacy
Jason Garrick, president of the Bingham Organising Committee, paid tribute to the volunteers and partners who made the tournament possible.
“The Bingham Cup Brisbane 2026 was an incredible success due to the hard-working organising committee and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure its success,” he said. “The atmosphere was electric and joyful, all the things that should come with this great sport. I’m so thrilled that participants had the opportunity to enjoy rugby in Brisbane. I think Mark would have loved being here for this tournament.
“I’m so grateful for the support of the Queensland Government, Hello Creative Agency, Norths Rugby Union Football Club, Ballymore Stadium, Queensland Rugby and The Pass in bringing this to life.
“As you travel home, from all of us in Brisbane, with you.”
Quinton Leduc, chair of IGR, said the tournament put the values Mark Bingham stood for on display for the world to see.
“Bingham Cup Brisbane 2026 has been an incredible four-day celebration of rugby, community and inclusion. The atmosphere has been electric and joyful from start to finish, and it has been fantastic to see participants from around the world come together in Brisbane to enjoy this great sport,” Leduc said. “The success of the tournament is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our organising committee and volunteers, who worked tirelessly to bring it all together. We couldn’t have done it without them.
“To everyone who played, volunteered, supported and celebrated with us, thank you. As you travel home, from all of us in Brisbane, we wish you safe travels and hope you take with you some wonderful memories, new friendships and a little bit of the Bingham spirit.”
As the teams and supporters begin their journeys home, the legacy of Bingham Cup Brisbane 2026 will live on through the friendships formed, memories created and connections made on and off the field.
Organizers said that while the Bingham Cup Brisbane 2026 may be over, the spirit of the man who gave it its name lives on.
“For me, one of the most powerful parts of this tournament has been seeing the values behind Mark Bingham’s legacy come to life — bringing people together through rugby, creating a sense of belonging and celebrating the diversity and friendships that make this community so special,” Leduc said.
