LGBTQ+ rugby club Belfast Azlans mark 10 years with bold nude calendar

Belfast’s inclusive rugby team, The Azlans, are celebrating their 10th anniversary by taking their kit off for a fundraising calendar.

The Azlans pose in underwear for their new calendar
Image: The Azlans

Belfast’s inclusive rugby team, The Azlans, are celebrating their 10th anniversary in the cheekiest way possible by taking their kit off for a fundraising calendar that champions visibility, community and unapologetic body positivity.

The club, which has spent a decade pushing for inclusion within Northern Irish sport, has launched 10 Years Bold, a playful yet meaningful nude calendar by the Azlans designed to mark the milestone while raising crucial funds for their upcoming tournaments.

Founded to create a space where players of all sexual orientations, genders, abilities and backgrounds can enjoy rugby without judgment, The Azlans have become a cornerstone of inclusive sport across the island of Ireland. Their mission has always been clear: rugby is for everyone, and everyone deserves a place on the pitch.

The calendar reflects that ethos. Far from being just twelve months of tongue-in-cheek poses and strategically placed rugby balls, 10 Years Bold pays tribute to the friendships and solidarity that have shaped the club’s identity. Featuring players from across the squad, the project highlights the diversity and camaraderie that define the Azlans both on and off the field.

 

 

The fundraiser will directly support the team’s participation in major upcoming LGBTQ+ rugby tournaments, including the 2026 Hadrian Cup and the 2027 Union Cup, Europe’s largest inclusive rugby competition.

These events not only offer invaluable competitive opportunities but also serve as vital moments for increasing LGBTQ+ visibility within the sporting world. For the Azlans, attending these tournaments is about much more than rugby; it is about representation, pride and continuing to challenge stereotypes in a region where inclusive sport still has room to grow.

 

Adam, team captain of the Azlans, says the calendar encapsulates everything the club stands for. “We wanted to do something fun to mark our 10th year that captures the spirit of the club.”

“While there are plenty of laughs in the calendar, it’s also about body positivity and showing that rugby truly is for everyone,” he explains. “Every purchase helps us to further invest in the development of inclusive rugby and see Northern Ireland represented on a national and international stage. We really appreciate the support.”

10 Years Bold, the Azlans calendar, is now available to purchase via the club’s website: here.

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