From Oslo to Boston: A Weekend Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion in Women’s+ Rugby

On May 31 and June 1, women’s+ rugby took center stage with two groundbreaking events on opposite sides of the Atlantic. From Boston’s NORAM Women’s+ Cup to Oslo’s International Gay Rugby Union Cup, players and fans came together to celebrate diversity, visibility, and inclusion in the sport.

Ruck You Match: Oslo’s Bold Statement

On June 1, Oslo hosted the Ruck You Match at the International Gay Rugby (IGR) Union Cup, Europe’s largest inclusive rugby tournament. This exhibition game featured a team of trans women+ facing off against former international and well-known women’s+ players, showcasing the spirit of inclusion that rugby can and should embody.

Spearheaded by former England prop Sasha Acheson, the match challenged recent policies excluding trans women from rugby competitions. “This match is about showing what rugby can and should be. Inclusive, empowering, and open to all,” Acheson said.

More than 45 teams from 10 countries gathered for the Union Cup, making Oslo the perfect stage to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in sport. The event was met with strong support from players like Heather Fisher and Alycia Washington, reinforcing rugby’s potential as a leader in embracing all women+.

Emily Valentine Cup: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

Also at the 2025 IGR Union Cup in Oslo, Les Simones claimed victory over Bruiserkers in the inaugural Emily Valentine Cup final, marking a landmark moment that celebrates diversity and inclusion in rugby. This competition further highlights how rugby continues to evolve as a space welcoming players of all backgrounds.

All Trans Match at NORAM Cup: Boston’s Celebration of Identity

Just hours later on June 1, Boston hosted the third annual All Trans Match at the NORAM Cup, North America’s largest inclusive rugby tournament. Sponsored by Paladin, this historic game brought together trans rugby players from across the continent for a spirited showcase of talent and community.

The match emphasized the importance of visibility and acceptance amid ongoing debates around transgender participation in sport. Players and fans alike celebrated the opportunity to compete authentically and stand united against exclusion.

NORAM Women’s+ Cup

The 2025 NORAM Women’s+ Cup featured teams including Baltimore Flamingos, San Jose Seahawks, Village Lions, and North Shore, with Baltimore Flamingos-Ferals winning the tournament. The event was a spectacular weekend that celebrated inclusivity, growth, and camaraderie among women+ rugby players.

A Weekend Celebrating Inclusivity

What began as two major all-trans rugby events within 24 hours quickly grew into a larger celebration of inclusivity across the rugby community. The weekend showcased a powerful movement spanning continents and identities, highlighting that rugby is stronger when everyone feels welcome to play as their true selves.

Beyond the trans matches, tournaments like the Emily Valentine Cup and the NORAM Women’s+ Cup demonstrated rugby’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels. These events sent a clear message: rugby is a sport for everyone, regardless of gender identity, size, or background.

While policies such as World Rugby’s 2020 ban on trans women at elite levels remain controversial, overbearing, and unnecessary according to many academic critiques, the spirit and success of this weekend offer a hopeful counterpoint that honors rugby’s deeply inclusive roots.

As Sasha Acheson said, “Trans women are not a threat. What’s truly harmful is the way cis women are being used as a shield to push exclusion.”

Supporting the Future

This weekend’s events were supported by crowdfunding efforts and community initiatives that helped cover player costs and amplify the message of inclusion. Additional funds were directed toward organizations advocating for trans rights and equality.

The momentum from this landmark weekend is set to inspire more inclusive policies and greater acceptance in rugby and beyond. It stands as a pivotal moment where sport and social justice come together on the field.