Richard ‘Richie’ Fagan, President of the Emerald Warriors, is being recognised by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) for his significant contribution to the development of the sport in Ireland. He is one of 100 volunteers to receive the ‘Services To Rugby’ medal, with the full list unveiled on Monday, April 14.

The award will be presented as part of the IRFU’s 150th anniversary celebrations later this month. According to a statement from the association, the recipients were each nominated by clubs, schools or provinces in a bid to “acknowledge the significant impact of members throughout the generations up to the modern day” whose influences can still be witnessed in the rugby community across the island.

Richie is one of Leinster’s 25 awardees, recognised for his role as President of Dublin’s LGBTQ+ inclusive club, the Emerald Warriors, which he has held since 2019. Sharing the news, Fagan told GCN he is “humbled, honoured and extremely grateful to be named alongside such esteemed members of our rugby community, who have had a big impact on rugby in our small but mighty country. Very excited and ready to take on the next chapter, as my awesome teammates and I push to make rugby for all and elevate our incredible club and game even further.”

.@IrishRugby Announces ‘Services To Rugby’ Medal Recipients

Emerald Warriors President Richie Fagan recognised for his contribution to the development of the game in Ireland.

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— Emerald Warriors RFC (@ewrfc) April 14, 2025

The Emerald Warriors was formed in August 2003, making history as Ireland’s first LGBTQ+ rugby club. Its goal is to provide an open, inclusive and safe environment to watch, play and enjoy the sport, offering its members both competitive and social opportunities across its teams. 

Its vision is to be the leading inclusive club, not only in Ireland, but in the world, leading by example and achieving success as players, coaches and supporters. It strives for its members and allies to feel accepted and welcome to participate in and enjoy the benefits of rugby, sport and its collective experiences.

The club currently boasts three mens+ contact teams (Green, Navy and Teal) as well as a womens+ contact team (Azure). There are also three mixed tag squads: Naoise Saffron, Coral and Plum.

The club competes nationally and internationally, and in 2024, it received its highest ever International Gay Rugby (IGR) rankings with the mens+ reaching fourth and the womens+ securing third.