17 Emerald Warriors players travelled to Brisbane, Australia, in August to represent Ireland at the International Gay Rugby (IGR) Bingham and Amanda Mark Cup 2026. Bringing together inclusive rugby clubs from across the globe, the tournaments celebrate diversity, community and the continued growth of LGBTQ+ and women’s+ participation in rugby. Held every two years, the event showcases the sport’s values of inclusion and belonging on an international stage.
Representing the Emerald Warriors Azures in Brisbane were Captain Ash Simon, Alex Siekmann, Casey Schwarzkopf, Decoy Barnes, Ella-Kay Byrne, Fiona Larmon, Han Murphy, Hollie Kavanagh, Jen Eagers, Kate Palu, Katie Kavanagh, Kim O’Neill, Kristie Hume, Louise Dixon, Maz Peltret, Morgan Bolger, Ramona Pfaender, Saoirse Fitzpatrick, Sarah Mims, Shannon Horan and Sorcha Killian. The squad was supported by coach Tabz Peterken and medic Kayla Yi.
This year, the Azures had their best performance yet, securing second place and bringing home a trophy! The team beat the Nashville Stone Lions in the semi-final and went on to a ferocious battle against the Ottawa Wolves in the final.
“I’ve never been so proud of this team, to be a part of the club and watch our Women’s+ side grow from strength to strength,” said Captain Ash Simon.
The club also had representation in the Bingham Cup, with Emerald Warriors player Aymen Barekat playing as a Barbarian with the Kings Cross Steelers, bringing even more Irish representation to the world’s largest festival of inclusive rugby.
The Amanda Mark Cup is named in honour of Amanda Mark, a lifelong supporter of rugby and LGBTQ+ inclusion, and recognises the ever-growing number of women’s and integrated teams participating in IGR competitions worldwide.
As the Emerald Warriors continue to grow women’s+ participation in rugby in Ireland, the Brisbane tournament represented an opportunity for players to compete on the international stage while celebrating the values of inclusion, friendship and belonging that sit at the heart of the club.
To keep up to date with the Emerald Warriors’ progress in leagues, tournaments and other events, follow the club on Instagram. If you’re interested in joining any of the Contact or Tag teams, they are holding an Open Day on Saturday, September 19, in The High School, Rathgar. Click here for more details.
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