Bristol’s first gay rugby team has won the league they play in for the first time, 18 years after it was formed.
Bristol Bisons RFC was formed back in 2005 and was the first inclusive and queer friendly rugby team in the south west.
The club offers an inclusive space for all to play rugby, particularly those from the LGBTQ+ community, and currently has more than 70 players, but winning hearts and minds off the pitch hasn’t quite translated to success on the pitch - until now.
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The Bisons have now been named champions of their Southern Development League and will take on the Northern League champions - Chester Centurions RUFC - in a grand finals day at Swansea on Saturday, April 15. The winners will be named the UK development champions.
The Bisons play in the International Gay Rugby leagues, and finished second from bottom last season, so ending the regular season as champions is quite the feat.
Bristol Bisons head coach Sasha Acheson said: “Growth is something that happens through collective dedication to a purpose, and consistently seeing areas in need of attention and making them your strengths. This is exactly what the Bisons have seen and done over the last two seasons.”
“This group of players are far more than just a rugby team and ability; their mindset, tenacity, honesty and resilience has led them to go from second from the bottom to winning the league, and I couldn't be prouder of them. And the most exciting thing? That there's still so much more to come! Bring on the Grand Finals against our Northern Counterparts – I’ve every faith this team can bring the cup back to Bristol and solidify their standing as one of the best teams in the IGR,” he added.
The club hit the headlines a few years ago when it successfully led a campaign to get settled status for one of its members, Ken Macharia, who had escaped persecution for being gay in his native Kenya.
Club chair Jamie White said it’s great to finally have success on the pitch. “We’re so proud to finally bring home a League Cup trophy to Bristol,” he said. “It’s been a tough journey, but this past season has been especially hard fought by all our team members. To be named champions and finish top of our league has been an incredible achievement, particularly when we finished second to bottom last year.
“We wouldn’t be in this position without our fantastic group of players, coaches, and supporters, or without the help of all those who have ever been a Bison member over the past 18 years.
“A huge thank you as well to our home ground, Clifton RFC, and our sponsors – First Bus, Bristol Bear Bar, Event Exchange, Valesco Fitness, Queenshilling and Top to Toe Physiotherapy – whose kind support over the past and future seasons has allowed us to get to this very special moment in the club’s history,” he added.
First team captain is looking forward to Saturday’s grand national final. "This amazing achievement for the Bisons is down to the hard work, perseverance, and determination of every member of the herd,” said Daryn McCombe. “This moment is extra special for all of us - I’m especially proud of the progress we’ve made over the last two seasons and can’t wait to see what’s next!”
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