Leeds Hunters Rugby, Yorkshire's oldest inclusive rugby team, competes in the International Gay Rugby (IGR) league. Our goal is to create an inclusive space for adults aged 18 and above, regardless of background, to enjoy rugby – both Rugby Union and Touch Rugby.
Established in 2016, our club has grown rapidly, boasting a diverse membership. With strong attendance at home games and a vibrant social media following, we've made a significant impact. We field both a full contact 15s Rugby Union team and a non-contact Touch Rugby team. Our Touch Rugby option further promotes diversity by welcoming female, non-binary, and transgender individuals to join us and enjoy the sport.
Leeds Hunters Rugby is a proud member of the International Gay Rugby Association and Board (IGR), competing in the IGR UK League Northwest Division. International Gay Rugby (IGR) is a rapidly growing, ever-passionate, rugby family that today reaches all four corners of the globe and plays a huge part in thousands of players and supporters’ lives. Founded in October 2000 by a small group of Inclusive Rugby Clubs and, as we approach our third decade, we continue to provide opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy competitive rugby whilst improving respect and tolerance for people of all gender identities and sexualities worldwide.
As an affiliated member of Yorkshire RFU, Leeds Hunters collaborate closely with their RFU Rugby Development Officer to enhance the club's long-term success. This collaboration aligns with the historic 2015 agreement between World Rugby and IGR, which aims to promote equality and inclusivity in rugby. The support from both the RFU and County Body is evident in our endeavours.
Our successes - Rugby Union
2016: Established as Yorkshire’s first inclusive rugby club.
2017: Partnership with Yorkshire Carnegie established.
2018: Finalists at Bingham Cup, Amsterdam.
2019: Winners of the Cu Chulainn Cup at Union Cup, Dublin.
2022: Finished top of the 2021/22 IGR Northern league.
2022: Hosted the IGR Grand final.
2023: IGR Northern League champions for the 2022/23 season.
2024: Winners of the Challenger Bowl at Bingham Cup, Rome as part of the Yorkshire Roses Rugby.
2024: The club relocated to West Park RUFC, Leeds.
2025: IGR Northern League champions for the 2024/25 season.
Our successes - Touch Rugby
2021: Established a dedicated Touch Rugby team.
2022: Partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation established.
2022: Hosted and won our first IGR Series Touch Rugby competition.
2022: First female team captain.
2022: Winners of IGR Touch Series, Newcastle. Including a member of the squad winning Player of the tournament.
2022: Winners of the Village Bar Tankard at the Touch My Brum competition, Birmingham.
2023: Finalists at Hadrian’s Cup, Newcastle. Including a member of the squad winning Player of the tournament for the second time.
2023: Finalists at the Touch My Brum competition, Birmingham.
