Diversity Cup to see Convicts battle Sydney Uni Club

For the second year running the Sydney Convicts will battle it out against Sydney University Football Club (SUFC) for the Diversity Cup this Saturday at the birthplace of Australian rugby union, with both teams aiming to tackle homophobia and promote diversity within sports as well as the general community.

The exhibition rugby 10’s match will be played at Sydney University’s historic No. 1 Oval on April 28 as part SUFC’s Diversity Day celebrations.

The club, which continues to breed many Super Rugby and Wallaby greats, is the first Premier Rugby club anywhere in the world to become actively involved in such a cause.

SUFC president, David Mortimer, said the club was pleased to continue its partnership as well as on-field rivalry with the Convicts for another year.

“SUFC continues to be very proud to be associated with this initiative and helping to spread the word about diversity, not only in sport, but in everyday life,” Mortimer said.  

Current NSW Waratahs footballer Tom Carter has also given his support to the match.

“Diversity in life, and sport, is a human right and I am proud that Sydney University Football Club is continuing to work with the Sydney Convicts to ensure this message is being received by everyone in the community,” Carter said.

David Whittaker, president of the Sydney Convicts, said it was “brilliant” that Sydney University continued to put on a day especially designed to tackle homophobia in the community.

“It once again proves that rugby union is leading the way in supporting diversity in sport,” he added.

Last year’s inaugural match between the Convicts and Students was taken out 24-5 by SUFC.

This weekend’s match comes as the Convicts prepare to fly out in late May for Manchester, England, where they will compete for the 6th Bingham Cup – the World Cup of Gay Rugby.