Australian rugby team to make history as first gay team to play professional match
The Sydney Convicts will make history as the first gay rugby team to play at professional level this weekend.
Taking to the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, the team will this weekend play against Macquarie University in an opening match ahead of the New South Wales Waratahs and the Otago Highlanders game.
The president of the Convicts, Dave Whitaker, has spoken publicly about his joy at the opportunity for the team to show its skills.
“The Sydney Convicts are very excited and proud to be the first gay and inclusive rugby team to be invited to play as part of an elite level rugby match, Whitaker told the Gay News Network.
“We hope this game helps to challenge these misconceptions while also raising awareness that homophobia in sport is still a major issue and gay people often still feel unwelcome.”
The Sydney Convicts took home the 2012 Bingham Cup, becoming gay rugby champions of the world.
