Rainbow Griffins leading the way for the 2SLGBTQ+ rugby community as a HSBC Bank Community Rugby Fund recipient

March 29, 2023 (Toronto, Ontario) – In 2021, The Rainbow Griffins RFC was accepted as a member of Rugby Ontario with a clear mission for their club, to develop the sport of rugby for Torontonians regardless of their age, gender, sexuality or any other obstacles someone may face.

Since their inception, the Toronto-based club has provided rugby programming focused on diversity, inclusion and equity for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the region, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all who participate.

Rugby in Canada is often known as one of the most inclusive sports, but many members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community are still unaware of rugby or face socio-economic barriers to entering the sport. It is the Rainbows Griffins’ vision to transform the sport of rugby in Canada to be fully inclusive, barrier-free and safe for all minority communities in the Toronto region.

Based on these values and a detailed application outlining how the club planned to create sustainable programming for the future, the Rainbow Griffins were selected as one of the inaugural recipients of the HSBC Bank Community Rugby Fund in early 2022.

“Selecting the Rainbow Griffins RFC as one of the first recipients of the HSBC Bank Community Rugby Fund was an easy decision,” said Rugby Development Manager for Rugby Canada, Ryan Jones. “We want to see the game grow across the country, but it is important that we focus on supporting rugby clubs and programs that focus on creating an environment that will make everyone feel included and safe to participate in our sport.”

The Griffins ran their first season from January 2022 to September 2022 and with the funds provided by Rugby Canada through the HSBC Bank Community Rugby Fund, were able to purchase rugby balls and tackle bags, train and develop three new coaches, and provide financial aid to help offset registration costs for 12 players.

“Thanks to the support of HSBC Bank Canada and Rugby Canada we were able to create a sustainable 2SGLBTQ+ club, that is not only changing the sport for 2SLGBTQ+ players but is also influencing all aspects of governance here in Canada as equity partners,” said Ian Royer, Co-Founder and Assistant Coach of the Rainbow Grifffins RFC. “In a time when the right to play is being threatened for Trans players in other unions, it makes me proud to see Canada is staying true to its mission and making space in an authentic way for the 2SGLBTQ+ community."

With 90% of their members being to new rugby and the club being in their first year of existence, the Rainbow Griffins were able to offer both contact and non-contact programs for senior men and women as well as a non-contact program for junior players between the ages of 11 to 17.

During the season, the club hosted two practices per week and regularly saw 25 to 35 players show up each at session, culminating into taking a senior men’s and women’s team to the Bingham Cup, the biennial world championship of gay and inclusive rugby, in August of 2022 in Ottawa. The men’s team went on to win the Challenger Shield in a joint effort with players from the United Kingdom under the team name, Snakes on a Plane. The women’s team placed third playing alongside the World Barbarians.

The Rainbows Griffins already have more than 35 members committed to returning to rugby for the 2023 season.

The application period is now open for the 2023 HSBC Bank Community Rugby Fund. Applications must be submitted by April 10th, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST to be considered. For more information and how to apply, CLICK HERE.