The bid to host the 2022 Bingham Cup, which is also the sport’s premier LGBT-inclusive tournament, in Edinburgh is to be spearheaded by the country’s most successful LGBT-inclusive team the Caledonian Thebans RFC.

Scotland’s Bid: Bingham 2022 was officially unveiled at an event held at BT Murrayfield which also marked the beginning of the Thebans’ annual rugby clinic which has attracted nineteen LGBT-inclusive teams to Edinburgh for a weekend of training, games, and social activities.

Although it has only just launched, the Scotland’s Bid has already attracted support from across Scottish politics, including from the Scottish Government, MPs, MSPs, and local government.

The launch was attended by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Frank Ross, and several councillors as well as by Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Miles Briggs.

Also in attendance was Major General Alasdair Bruce, the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, who has offered the support of the LGBT armed forces for the bid.

Should it be successful, Scotland’s Bid will bring thousands of players, supporters, and other visitors to Edinburgh for two weeks of rugby and inclusive celebrations.

Commenting, Caledonian Thebans Chairman, Luke Fenton, said:

“It is my pleasure to announce that the Thebans are leading Scotland’s Bid to bring the Bingham Cup to Scotland in 2022.

“Scotland has a reputation for inclusiveness, openness, and acceptance as well as being a proud rugby nation; all of which makes us a prime location to host the Bingham Cup 2022.

“The Thebans are hugely grateful for the support that we have received thus far and because of it our Sacred Band will be going into the bid process with our spirits up and our heads held high.”

Scottish Rugby Director of Rugby Development, Sheila Begbie, added:

“We are delighted to support the bid by the Caledonian Thebans to host the Bingham Cup for the first time in Scotland.

“To host such a high-profile event would be a great achievement and testament to all the hard work that has been put into the bid, it would also support us to raise the profile of gay and inclusive rugby, we at Scottish Rugby are proud to support Caledonian Thebans bid.”