World beating Convicts to star at Fair Day

For those who have always wondered how it would feel to don a rugby guernsey and get their head into a ruck as part of a World Cup-winning sports side, you may just get the chance to prove yourself over the next few weeks as Sydney’s very own world-beating Convicts prepare to hold a recruitment drive.

Having dominated the holy grail of gay rugby by taking out the Bingham Cup in Manchester, England last year, the Convicts will be manning a stall at Victoria Park for Mardi Gras Fair Day this Sunday, February 10 before holding their annual Convicts Open Day the following Sunday (February 17) at Centennial Park on the Reservoir Fields from 4pm.

“No matter if you’re gay, bi, straight or anything in between, everyone is welcome as players, officials and supporters,” Convicts co-president, Richard Coates, said.

Convicts co-president, Dave Whittaker, said the club was currently the world’s most successful gay and inclusive rugby team having won its local competition three times.

“We’re inviting guys of all ages and skill levels who are interested in playing rugby to get involved,” Whittaker said.

The Convicts, who hope to enter three teams when they host the Bingham Cup in Sydney next year, have also called for more sponsors to support what is set to be a major highlight for the LGBTI and rugby communities in 2014.

The club will also be joined by players from the Melbourne Chargers and Brisbane Hustlers for a 100-strong float at next month’s Sydney Mardi Gras parade.

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