Media Release - 3 September 2012

BRISBANE TO HOST HISTORIC AUSTRALIAN GAY RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Brisbane is to play host to the 2012 Australian Gay Rugby Championship next month, which will see current gay world champions the Convicts take on Brisbane’s own Hustlers and the Melbourne Chargers in a bid to retain their crown.

Also known as the ‘Purchas Cup’, the tournament will take place at Easts Rugby Union Club on 22 September. The Cup is named after Andrew “Fuzz” Purchas, founder of the Sydney Convicts and the gay rugby movement in .

Founded in 2003, the Hustlers have reformed this year after an extended break. Their goal is to compete in the Brisbane suburban season in 2013 and the following year represent Brisbane at the Bingham Cup, the World Cup of gay and inclusive rugby, which is likely to be held in Sydney.

Sydney and Melbourne competed in Manchester in June at the Bingham Cup tournament more than 35 other gay teams from 17 countries.

Charles Gregory, President of the Brisbane Hustlers said: “The Hustlers are very excited about the Purchas Cup coming to . There’s been a huge amount of support from Brisbane’s rugby community for us this year, especially from Easts rugby club. It’s also a real honour to have both the Convicts and the Chargers in town to welcome us back onto the paddock”.

Brisbane hosted the Purchas Cup in 2004 and 2005, between the then only two gay and inclusive clubs in Australia - Brisbane and Sydney. The Melbourne Chargers, founded in 2009, have hosted the competition for the past two years.

This year’s contest represents a milestone in the history of gay and inclusive rugby in Australia, being the first year three teams will contest the tournament. Gay and inclusive rugby has grown strongly in Australia and internationally.

Sydney Convicts President, David Whittaker said: “The Convicts are excited to see the return of the Hustlers. We have strong ties to the club and we are sure they will give us a great hit out both on the paddock and on the dance floor afterwards”.

1 | Page Brisbane Hustlers Rugby Media Release

Purchas Cup Schedule:

11:00am –Brisbane Hustlers vs Melbourne Chargers 12:30pm – Sydney Convicts vs Melbourne Chargers 2:00pm – Brisbane Hustlers vs Sydney Convicts 3:15pm – Presentation of Purchas Cup

More Information:

Brisbane Hustlers Charles Gregory – President 0405 996 539 [email protected] http://brisbanehustlers.org www.facebook.com\BrisbaneHustlers

About the Purchas Cup The Purchas Cup is the Australian Gay Rugby Championship, named after Andrew “Fuzz” Purchas, founder of the Sydney Convicts and the gay rugby movement in Australia. Fuzz has played at all six Bingham Cup tournaments and been part of Cup winning teams three times.

2 | Page Brisbane Hustlers Rugby Media Release