The Emerald Warriors RFC etched a historic chapter in their 22-year journey over the weekend as they were crowned Union Cup Champions for the first time at the 2025 tournament in Oslo, Norway.
Ireland’s oldest LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby club sent its largest-ever contingent abroad, with over 130 players, coaches, medics, physios, van drivers, and supporters travelling to the Norwegian capital.
The club fielded four teams, three Men’s+ squads and a full Women’s+ side.
The standout moment came from the Men’s+ Green Team, who went undefeated across the tournament to claim the Union Cup title, an unprecedented achievement for the club.
All four Emerald Warriors teams secured victories in their respective pool and knockout stage matches, underlining the depth and determination of the travelling squad.
“This didn’t happen overnight,” said Club President Richie Fagan. “It was forged through years of commitment, resilience, and a shared love for the game. I’m endlessly proud of what we achieved together and incredibly grateful to the coaching staff, captains, committee, team management, medics, physios, drivers, sub-committees, our loyal sponsors and supporters who made it possible.”
The tournament was also a milestone for the Women’s+ Azure team, who competed abroad with a full squad for the first time. Ranked third globally heading into the competition, their performance added another layer of significance to the Warriors’ presence at this year’s Union Cup.
This record-breaking Irish representation was shared with fellow inclusive clubs the Cork Hellhounds and Belfast Azlans, reinforcing the strong momentum behind LGBTQ+ rugby on the island of Ireland.
That momentum was given a major boost in 2019 when Dublin played host to the Union Cup for the first time. The Warriors were central to staging that tournament, which helped galvanise the growth of inclusive rugby across Ireland and Europe.
Hosted by Oslo Raballder Rugby Club, the 2025 Union Cup delivered an electric atmosphere and high-quality competition across all levels.
Irish Ambassador to Norway, Claire Buckley, had been there to support the teams who debuted their new Macron-designed jerseys created by club member Alan McArthur.
“This was more than a tournament,” Fagan added. “It was a celebration of who we are. Forever proud. Forever grateful. Forever Warriors.”
The Emerald Warriors are backed by Sport for Business members Bank of Ireland and Aer Lingus, as well as by lululemon, Meaghers Pharmacy and the George.
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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
The staging of the Union Cup here in 2019 was a breakthrough moment for LGBTQ+ rugby here, backed at the time by Vodafone, Guinness and the Government. Brilliant to see that the foundations laid over two decades ago, and added to then, have now been added to again on the international stage
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