By Lauren Means • Photos Provided by Nashville Grizzlies RFC
It has been said that the sport of rugby originated in the early 1800s when William Webb Ellis, a student at Rugby School in England, allegedly picked up the ball during a soccer game and ran with it, disregarding the established rules. While we don’t know if that’s true or simply lore, we do know that rugby is one of the most thrilling and physically challenging team sports and it has gained footing across the globe.
Rugby is also one of the most inclusive sports. In November 1995, the world’s first officially recognized gay rugby club was formed in the United Kingdom. From there, the movement spread globally with over 100 inclusive clubs founded worldwide.
The first iteration of the non-profit International Gay Rugby (IGR) association was founded in October 2000 with the goal of growing inclusive rugby and achieving equality, diversity and personal development in sports.
Nashville’s very own rugby club, the Nashville Grizzlies RFC (Rugby Football Club), is a proud member of the IGR and got its start in 2006 when a rugby player from the Dallas Diablos RFC and his partner moved to Nashville for a new job. “They first met with about 15 guys who were interested in learning about the game of rugby. The Grizzlies have continued to grow into a brotherhood that has traveled internationally to compete in different tournaments,” explained Justin Serio, president of the Grizzlies
Serio joined in 2018 when his boyfriend at the time was a player. “I had never played before so I was a little nervous that I would make a fool out of myself in front of all these people. The group was so supportive though,” said Serio. He explained how the team members were patient and never hesitated to take him aside to go over the game and what was happening.
They made him feel welcomed to the point that he decided to start joining practices. “It was over from there,” he said. “I became very involved with the team and decided to take on a leadership role on the board of directors for the team. I have served as the Secretary, Vice President and now the President and I love the team we have for this coming year!”
Honoring a hero
In addition to local and regional matches, there are various national and international tournaments. One of these is the Mark Kendall Bingham Memorial Tournament or Bingham Cup as it is commonly known. This tournament was first held in 2002 in memory of the 9/11 gay rugby hero Mark Bingham — one of the passengers who fought back against hijackers on board United Flight 93. The Bingham Cup is held in honor of Mark’s memory and challenges stereotypes and perceptions of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In 2016, the Grizzlies hosted the Bingham Cup. Hosting teams from all over the world, the Grizzlies built a name for themselves as great members of the community and as rugby players by winning their division, claiming the Hoagland Shield. The 2024 Bingham Cup is being held in Rome this coming Spring and the Grizzlies will be in attendance. Serio noted, “We are eager to continue to serve the community and represent our city in tournaments all over the world.”
More than a game
“Being a part of the Nashville Grizzlies has been amazing for me. The brothers I have made by being with the Grizzlies are truly amazing,” Serio said. He says the networking from being a part of the team has allowed him to experience many new things and being a part of the leadership has aided him in developing many new skills from event planning to digital marketing and fundraising. “It’s shown me how much I enjoy getting an event together and how crucial the correct form of marketing can be. I am thankful for the connections that I have made in the Nashville community through being involved with the Grizzlies,” said Serio.
If anyone wants to come check out the game, Serio says all they need to do is come out to a practice and meet the team. There is no experience needed and they usually practice every Tuesday and Thursday after work. The Grizzlies are still planning out their Fall 2023 season, so follow them on social media for up-to-date information on practices, games, fundraisers, tournaments, and more!
Connect
Web: https://nashvillegrizzliesrfc.square.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nashvillegrizzliesrfc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashvillegrizzliesrfc/
