Sydney University Football Club (SUFC), the birthplace of Australian rugby which continues to breed many star Super Rugby and Wallaby greats, is teaming up with Australia’s World Champion gay rugby team, the Sydney Convicts, to once more help promote the message of diversity in sport and the community.
“Diversity in life, and sport, is a human right and I am proud that Sydney University Football Club is continuing to work with the Sydney Convicts to ensure this message is being received by everyone in the community,” said Tom Carter, SUFC player and NSW Waratah.
For the second year running, an exhibition rugby 10’s game will be played at the historic No. 1 Oval at Sydney University between The Students (SUFC) and The Convicts on Saturday 28th April, part of SUFC’s Diversity Day celebrations.
The game is designed to spread the word about tolerance of diversity in sport and life and help with the fight against homophobia in the community.
SUFC is the first Premier Rugby Club anywhere in the world to become actively involved in such a cause.
The two teams will again be competing for the “Diversity Shield”, which was won 24-5 by The Students in the inaugural match last year.
“The Sydney University Football Club is very pleased to be working with the Sydney Convicts for our Diversity Day. The partnership of these two well-known clubs is a fantastic thing for rugby union in Australia,” said President of SUFC, David Mortimer AO.
“SUFC continues to be very proud to be associated with this initiative and helping to spread the word about diversity, not only in sport, but in everyday life.”
“It’s brilliant that Sydney Uni continues to put on a day especially designed to tackle homophobia in the community. It once again proves that rugby union is leading the way in supporting diversity in sport,” said David Whittaker, President of the Sydney Convicts.
“We hope that rugby players at all levels will feel comfortable being themselves and will ultimately be able to enjoy the game without even thinking about their sexuality. The great leadership being shown by SUFC certainly helps us achieve this goal.” said David.
“You can be sure that the Sydney Uni boys will not be taking it easy on the Convicts when we play a match on Diversity Day”, said Sydney University Club Captain, James Swan.
“Whether rucking or mauling, we will be in it to win and the Convicts are up for some tough competition from The Students!”
2012 is a big year for the Sydney Convicts. In late May, the team will be flying out to Manchester, England to compete in the 6th Bingham Cup, the World Cup of Gay Rugby.
Please direct all media enquiries to:
Sydney University Football Club
Gill Elphinston
02 9351 7963
Sydney Convicts
David Whittaker
0412 125 284
