Andrew Purchas and Ian Jones. Photo: Blake Armstrong/ActionPress
One of the most important events on the gay and inclusive rugby calendar is taking place this weekend in Auckland. The Purchas Cup 2025 had its opening ceremony on Thursday night at the All Blacks Experience, with the event attracting over 300 players and supporters.
The tournament is being held at Western Springs, the home ground of Ponsonby Rugby Club and the NZ Falcons. The Falcons were formed in 2013 and have been New Zealand's only gay and inclusive rugby team. Andrew Purchas, who the tournament is named after, is excited to see the annual trans-Tasman inclusive rugby tournament growing, as well as celebrating diversity, inclusion, and sportsmanship in the sport.
"This is the 14th time the event has been held…it highlights the depth and breadth of gay rugby in this area and promotes the concept that rugby is a game for all, regardless of your sexuality," said Purchas.
"If you're keen on rugby there's a spot for you, there are plenty of clubs to join. You can see how gay men can play rugby at a very serious level."
NZ Falcons Photo: NZ Falcons
Purchas is the founder of the Sydney Convicts rugby club, which he set up after living in and playing for a local gay team. One of his teammates was Mark Bingham, who was on board flight United 93 on September 11, 2001. Bingham is strongly believed to have been one of a group of passengers that attempted to take control of the plane, that eventually crashed in Pennsylvania.
"He was part of the reason that plane didn't make its destination, which was the White House. The year after that, we started the Bingham Cup in his honour."
The Bingham Cup eventually became the world champs for gay rugby, so Purchas brought the concept back to Australia.
"It was very clear to me how important this tournament was to provide opportunities for gay men to be able to get the benefits of playing and being involved in such a fantastic sport."
Purchas Cup welcome and powhiri event at the All Blacks Experience. Photo: Blake Armstrong/ActionPress
Part of Purchas's motivation was his own experience as someone who played rugby from age five and found his passion for the sport as an adult conflicting with the often hyper-masculine environment it had.
"When I came out, I didn't really feel as though there was a spot for me. It didn't seem as though the environment was welcoming, there were no openly gay football players around. Now there are about 140 gay rugby clubs, on every continent," he said.
As well as the Falcons and Convicts, teams competing this year include the Perth Rams, Brisbane Hustlers, Adelaide University Sharks, and the Melbourne Chargers.
"We've demonstrated across the world that regardless of sexuality, you can still play rugby at a high level. It's challenged stereotypes of what gay men can and can't do, it's played a significant role in the way people think of gay men."
