Advertise on podcast: The Gay Rugby Podcast

A gay rugby team was asked to leave a lesbian bar and we asked the lesbian rugby coach what they thought about it.In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack and Ozzie are in Brisbane, Australia, covering the 2026 Bingham Cup and Amanda Mark Cup, where we sit down with Emily Lynn Létourneau, president of the Ottawa Wolves, an LGBTQ+ rugby club from Ottawa, Canada.Emily takes us through her journey into rugby, from growing up in a small town in northern Quebec where rugby barely existed to becoming a player, coach, and leader within one of Canada’s LGBTQ+ rugby clubs. We talk about the growth of women’s rugby at the Bingham Cup, the rise of the Amanda Mark Cup, and why creating dedicated space for women and lesbians in queer rugby matters.But things get especially interesting when we talk about a viral moment involving a gay rugby team and a lesbian bar. Emily gives her perspective on whether gay men belong in lesbian spaces, why those spaces were created in the first place, and where the line should be when it comes to respecting queer spaces.Along the way, we get into the stereotypes surrounding lesbian rugby players, what gay men could learn from lesbians, dating within your rugby club, and what the future could look like for women’s LGBTQ+ rugby.Recorded in Brisbane during the 2026 Bingham Cup.The Gay Rugby Podcast is a comedy and culture podcast about gay rugby, LGBTQ+ sports, queer culture, community, travel, and the people making rugby a more inclusive place.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie Luna

Why Tokyo’s LGBTQ+ Rugby Club Struggles to Recruit Japanese Players We sat down with Daniel, founder of the Tsurumi Brats, during the 2026 Bingham Cup in Brisbane, Australia, to talk about the unique challenges of building an LGBTQ+ rugby community in Japan. Tsurumi Brats are a Tokyo-based inclusive rugby club, and Daniel explains why Japanese and foreign rugby communities have often remained separate, the challenges of recruiting Japanese players, and how language and cultural differences can make it difficult to bring the two communities together. Despite having a large international player base, Tsurumi Brats are working to create more connections between Japanese and foreign players and build a rugby community where everyone can play together. We talk about gay rugby in Japan, LGBTQ+ rugby, Tokyo rugby, Japanese rugby culture, recruiting Japanese players, foreign rugby players in Japan, and the challenges of building an inclusive rugby club. Filmed during the Bingham Cup Brisbane 2026, the world's largest international celebration of inclusive rugby, where teams from around the world came together to compete and connect. Tsurumi Brats represented Tokyo and Japan on the international stage.

What happens when straight men join a gay rugby team?We sat down in Brisbane with James Morey, president and captain of the Sydney Convicts, to talk about why straight men are choosing gay rugby, what makes an LGBTQ+ rugby team different, and why the Convicts have become one of the biggest names in inclusive rugby.James has been playing rugby since he was eight and joined the Sydney Convicts in 2016. Nearly a decade later, he's leading the club both on and off the field and he's got a pretty good perspective on what makes a gay rugby club work.We get into what it was like joining the Convicts after playing traditional rugby, the freedom of being able to be yourself on the pitch, and why gay rugby teams aren't just for gay players. James explains why having straight players and allies is important to the club, and why some straight men simply don't connect with the macho culture that can surround traditional rugby.We also go deep on the history of the Sydney Convicts, Australia's first gay and inclusive rugby union club, the growth of gay rugby in Australia, the Bingham Cup, and how the global LGBTQ rugby community has grown into something much bigger than any one team.Plus: the biggest misconception about gay rugby, the Convicts' infamous reputation for playing hard and partying hard, their pathway program for people who've never played rugby before, their five Bingham Cup titles, and what it's like trying to manage more than 100 players at the world's biggest inclusive LGBTQ+ rugby tournament.This episode was filmed in Brisbane during Bingham Cup 2026.If you've ever wondered what gay rugby is actually like, how gay rugby clubs work, whether straight men can play LGBTQ rugby, or why someone would choose an inclusive rugby team over a traditional club, this conversation is for you.

The Lorikeets are Australia's indigenous gay rugby teamWe came to Brisbane for the Bingham Cup 2026 and ended up sitting down with Darren from the First Nations Lorikeets: a brand-new rugby club creating something that didn’t exist before in Australian gay rugby.The Lorikeets are an LGBTQ+ rugby team for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, built around culture, community, visibility and creating a space where players can actually feel like they belong.And Darren has a pretty powerful reason for being part of it.Years ago, he was asked to play for the Sydney Convicts but said no because he didn’t feel safe in that space. Now, 14 years later, he’s playing rugby with the Lorikeets at the Bingham Cup in Brisbane.We talk about why First Nations rugby matters, what it means to create a culturally safe space for LGBTQ+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, and why representation in gay rugby clubs has to be more than simply saying “everyone is welcome.”We also get into the Lorikeets’ first year, how the team came together from players across Australia, their connection to community, their plans for the future, and what they hope this team can mean to the next generation of queer First Nations players.Recorded in Brisbane during the Bingham Cup 2026.If you’re into gay rugby, LGBTQ+ sports, inclusive rugby, First Nations rugby, or just want to understand more about the people and stories behind the Bingham Cup, this one is worth watching.Subscribe for more conversations about gay rugby, LGBTQ+ sports, rugby culture and the people who make this community what it is.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaViews and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club

We sat down with comedian and actor Chris Grace to talk about something that, on the surface, seems pretty simple: is rugby actually worth getting hurt for?Chris has broken both of his ring fingers, dislocated a rib, broken his arm and developed arthritis in his knees from playing tighthead prop. And yet, when we asked if he regrets it, his answer was pretty definitive: no.That led us into a much bigger conversation about why people keep coming back to rugby even when it hurts. Chris talks about the nerves and adrenaline before a match, the strange emotional attachment that comes with playing on a team, and why gay rugby became such a transformative part of his life.We also got into his acting career, including his time on Superstore, and whether he ever worried that playing rugby could interfere with his work as an actor. Spoiler: he wasn't particularly worried about getting injured until he actually got injured.Chris has also experienced one of the biggest moments in LGBTQ+ rugby firsthand: winning the Bingham Cup. He talks about what that victory meant to him, why he broke down crying after losing the following year, and how rare it is to feel that emotionally connected to something in everyday life.Along the way, we talk about gay rugby, playing against straight teams, rugby culture, competition, community, and why the sport has become so much more than just what happens on the pitch.This is Episode 60 of the Gay Rugby Podcast.Subscribe for more conversations about gay rugby, LGBTQ+ sports, rugby culture and the people who make this community what it is.

On the second day of the Bingham Cup, we casually spotted the Brisbane Hustlers' mascot.The Hustlers were hosting the tournament, and we knew exactly what the mascot game was about. We started thinking about whether we could get close enough to steal it. Then we noticed there were children around. And a dog. And while we really wanted the mascot, we didn't particularly want to be responsible for an international rugby incident.Then, almost perfectly timed, a message went out to everyone at the tournament: mascots were banned.The reason? Police had been called after a fight over one of the mascots, and the long-running Bingham Cup tradition had apparently crossed a line.So we brought it up with the Emerald Warriors.In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we sit down with Gary and Maz from Dublin's Emerald Warriors RFC during the 2026 Bingham Cup in Brisbane. We get into the mascot controversy, including the incident involving an Emerald Warriors player at the 2024 Bingham Cup in Rome, and why the club's reputation seems to have followed them to Australia.From there, the conversation turns to the history of the Emerald Warriors, founded in Dublin in 2003 and now home to more than 250 members. We talk about how the club has grown, the development of its women's team, and what an LGBTQ+ rugby club can offer people who may never have felt completely at home in traditional rugby.The Warriors also talk about their bid to host the 2028 Bingham Cup in Dublin why they wanted it, what hosting the tournament could mean for the club, and what they learned from hosting the 2019 Union Cup.We get into their international rugby history, beating the Sydney Convicts in Rome, winning the 2025 Union Cup, the more chaotic side of Emerald Warriors tours, and the story behind a motivational speech that eventually resulted in 14 players getting matching tattoos.Recorded in Brisbane during the 2026 Bingham Cup

For this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack and Ozzie flew from Los Angeles to New Orleans for less than 24 hours to experience Swamp Romp, one of the biggest weekends in gay rugby. We landed, grabbed our gear, spent the day playing rugby, filmed interviews from the sidelines between matches, and caught one of the most unexpectedly hilarious conversations of the weekend.Jack and Ozzie laced up with Round Rock Ruckus RFC from the Austin, Texas area and Jack even crossed the try line before sitting down with one of the team's most unforgettable personalities, Ziploc, to answer a question we'd been hearing all weekend: What is a demon twink?What starts as a conversation about twinks in rugby quickly turns into a much bigger discussion about LGBTQ+ sports, body image, eating disorder recovery, Ozempic, toxic relationships, and why the international gay rugby community is unlike any other. The best part is that none of it was planned. This episode was filmed right on the sidelines while matches were still going on. You'll see players warming up behind us, hear the whistles throughout the interview, and at one point play comes to a stop because someone gets injured just a few yards away. It perfectly captures the energy of a rugby tournament.Then we made the mistake we'll never live down.We left New Orleans that same night to fly back to Los Angeles, only to find out after we landed that Jennifer Coolidge had shown up to the Swamp Romp after-party. We spent months joking that we should've skipped the flight.

Who should host the Bingham and Amanda Mark Cup Rugby Tournament in 2028?Subscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast! https://shorturl.at/OztS0The race to host the Bingham Cup 2028 is officially underway, and the competition is fiercer than ever. In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we dive into all six official Bingham Cup 2028 bids to answer one question: Which city should host the world's premier LGBTQ rugby tournament?From the historic rugby culture of Dublin and Leeds to the accessibility of Orlando, the organization promised by Perth, the vibrant energy of Vancouver, and the cultural significance of Querétaro, Mexico, every bid tells a different story about the future of inclusive rugby. We react to each campaign, break down the strengths and weaknesses of every proposal, and debate what really makes a great Bingham Cup host city. Is it world-class rugby facilities? Affordable travel? Incredible nightlife? Or is the tournament at its best when it introduces players to entirely new cultures and communities?Along the way, we revisit the legacy of Mark Bingham, explore how the Bingham Cup has grown into one of the largest rugby tournaments in the world, and reflect on why International Gay Rugby (IGR) continues to create opportunities for athletes to compete, travel, and build community across the globe. Whether you've been playing gay rugby for years or you're just discovering the sport, this conversation is about much more than choosing a destination. It's about what kind of future we want for LGBTQ sports, international rugby, and the global rugby community.We also react to each city's promotional campaign, discuss rugby travel, accessibility, affordability, and the unique identity each destination would bring to the tournament. By the end of the episode, we each make our pick for who we think deserves to host Bingham Cup 2028.So now we want to hear from you. Which bid has your vote: Dublin, Leeds, Orlando, Perth, Querétaro, or Vancouver? Tell us why in the comments. We'd love to hear your perspective, whether you're an IGR player, a longtime rugby supporter, or simply passionate about the future of inclusive sports.This episode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/

Should kink be allowed at Pride? It's one of the biggest debates in the LGBTQ+ community and we're diving into it without holding back.In Episode 54 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna celebrate Pride Month while tackling some of the most controversial conversations happening in queer culture today. From leather culture and pup play to family-friendly Pride events, LGBTQ+ history, sports, and visibility, we explore where Pride has been, where it's headed, and why these conversations matter.We discuss whether fetish gear belongs at Pride, the role of leather and kink in LGBTQ+ history, how Pride evolved from a protest into a global celebration, and why understanding queer history is more important than ever. We also talk about representation in sports, the Los Angeles Dodgers Pride Night controversy, LGBTQ+ inclusion in rugby, corporate Pride, and whether younger generations fully understand what previous generations fought to achieve.This episode isn't about telling you what to think-it's about asking difficult questions, hearing different perspectives, and starting meaningful conversations within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Along the way, we debate whether Pride is still a protest, if kink and leather should remain visible at Pride events, how queer athletes are changing sports culture, what true allyship looks like, and why LGBTQ+ visibility continues to matter in 2026.Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, a rugby fan, or simply curious about the future of Pride, we'd love to hear your perspective. Drop a comment below and join the conversation.This epsiode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast. Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations about LGBTQ+ culture, rugby, Pride, and queer life.

What started as a lighthearted attempt to call out our guest quickly turned into one of the most honest conversations we've had on the Gay Rugby Podcast.This week, we're joined by Big Dipper, co-host of the Sloppy Seconds podcast, musician, comedian, and one of the most recognizable voices in queer media. We finally confront him about comments he made regarding gay rugby, but what follows is a much bigger conversation about community, identity, belonging, and the complicated relationship gay men have with each other.Along the way, we dive into bear culture, LGBTQ representation, queer creators, social media burnout, gay dating, inclusive sports, and why it can sometimes feel harder to find acceptance within the LGBTQ community than outside of it. Big Dipper shares stories from his career, talks about building a successful LGBTQ podcast, reflects on his experiences in queer spaces, and opens up about the insecurities that can persist even after years of success. One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation centers on a question that many gay men have asked themselves at one point or another: why do we seem so willing to celebrate each other from a distance, but struggle to support one another up close? It's a conversation about queer identity, community dynamics, internalized homophobia, and the challenges that come with creating authentic LGBTQ content in an increasingly crowded digital world.We also talk about gay rugby culture, LGBTQ athletes, bear community stereotypes, creator life, online criticism, queer music, mental health, and what it means to carve out a place for yourself in modern gay culture.If you've ever felt like an outsider in your own community, wondered why LGBTQ spaces can sometimes feel divided, or questioned where you fit into the broader queer world, this episode will probably hit close to home.The Gay Rugby Podcast explores LGBTQ sports, queer culture, travel, dating, relationships, mental health, and the stories that bring our community together. Hosted by Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna, each episode features candid conversations, unexpected perspectives, and plenty of laughs along the way.Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: https://friend-of-dorothy.com/Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club

Do Rugby Teams Shower Together? Comedian Joseph Schles joins The Gay Rugby Podcast!Subscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast! https://shorturl.at/OztS0Most people who have never played rugby have the same question: do rugby teams actually shower together after a match?After a recent trip to Barcelona, Jack finally has an answer.In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack and Ozzie unpack what it was like stepping onto the pitch with a rugby club in Barcelona, navigating the language barrier, experiencing a different rugby culture, and finding out firsthand which rugby stereotypes are true and which are complete nonsense.Joining the conversation is comedian Joseph Lesch, whose career has taken him from comedy clubs to performing for thousands of LGBTQ+ travelers aboard Atlantis Events cruises. Together they trade stories about sports, travel, body confidence, queer community, and the strange social dynamics that happen when a bunch of sweaty rugby players head for the locker room after a match.Part rugby story, part travel diary, and part comedy hang, this episode offers an inside look at a side of rugby culture that most people never get to see.Subscribe for new episodes of the Gay Rugby Podcast, where rugby, comedy, travel, and LGBTQ+ culture collide.This epsiode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club

Has queer visibility gone too far? In Episode 51 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, queer pop artist Zee Machine joins us for an honest conversation about LGBTQ visibility, representation in media, and whether increased visibility has helped the community or made LGBTQ people a bigger target in today's political climate.Zee Machine shares his journey growing up in Hong Kong, discovering music, and building a career as an openly queer artist. We discuss the privilege of growing up in a supportive family, how acceptance shaped his confidence, and why he's never felt the need to hide who he is. Zee also reflects on his experiences playing rugby as a teenager and how sports, identity, and self-expression intersect.From queer media representation and LGBTQ rights to music, culture, and authenticity, this episode explores some of the biggest questions facing the queer community today.Subscribe for more conversations about LGBTQ culture, rugby, sports, entertainment, and queer life.Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: https://friend-of-dorothy.com/Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie LunaConnect with The Gay Rugby Podcast on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gayrugbypodcast/Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@gayrugbypodcast?lang=enYouTubehttps://shorturl.at/OztS0Views and opinions in the podcast do not reflect the views and opinions of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Club

Why do gay men love bald, grumpy guys? On Episode 50 of the Gay Rugby Podcast, we sit down with Emmy-nominated filmmaker, artist, and content creator Marquis the Honeybear to unpack attraction, confidence, masculinity, body politics, and the psychology behind “types” in gay dating culture.Marquise the Honeybear is known for blending comedy, queer storytelling, and conversations around Black queer identity, body positivity, nightlife culture, and self-expression. He’s also the writer, director, and star of the upcoming film “Ornithomancy,” a bold new independent project exploring queer identity and human connection.In this episode, we debate why bald men are so attractive, whether “grumpy guy energy” is secretly hot, and the difference between confidence and bitterness. We also get into body politics in the LGBTQ+ community, beauty standards, attraction psychology, queer masculinity, dating preferences, self-image, and how gay men navigate desirability and authenticity.We also discuss why certain personality traits become attractive, how confidence changes the way people are perceived, and why knowing exactly who you are can be more attractive than trying to please everyone.The Gay Rugby Podcast explores queer culture, LGBTQ+ identity, sports, masculinity, dating, nightlife, body image, and the conversations happening inside the gay community right now. This episode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/

Gay rugby players play would you rather on the latest podcast episode! Subscribe to the Gay Rugby Podcast! https://shorturl.at/OztS0In Episode 49 of The Gay Rugby Podcast, a group of gay rugby players sit down to play Would You Rather and it gets honest fast. What starts as a simple game turns into a series of uncomfortable choices, unexpected takes, and moments that say more than anyone planned to reveal.This episode is exactly what it sounds like: gay rugby players answering tough, funny, and occasionally chaotic questions on mic, with no real way to dodge them. It’s a look at how these guys think when the answers actually matter—or at least feel like they do in the moment.Recorded for The Gay Rugby Podcast, this one leans into quick reactions, real opinions, and the kind of conversations that come out when you stop overthinking and just answer the question.Empowered by Friend of Dorothy: https://friend-of-dorothy.com/Elevate your well-being with our thoughtfully curated range of products designed specifically for gay men.New episodes every week.Filmed, edited and produced by Jack HigginsExecutive Producer Ozzie Luna

What is a “Side” | Gay dating terminology explained by gay rugby playersThis episode starts with a question that’s been showing up more in dating conversations and apps lately: what does it actually mean to be a “side”? We break down the basics of “top,” “bottom,” and the newer term “side,” which refers to guys who are into intimacy, but don’t include bottom or top in what they want.We talk about labels, communication, and where preference ends and misunderstanding begins.Is being a side selfish? Or is that just what it looks like when people aren’t familiar with the term yet? At the end of the day, it’s about how people define themselves—and how we talk about what we want without judgment.This epsiode was brought to you by Hey Sweet Cheeks (Queer-owned Sexcare + Skincare)Use our code GRP20 to get 20% off https://heysweetcheeks.co/