Kings Cross Steelers Crowned Bingham Cup 2026 Champions After Stunning Brisbane Victory
Kings Cross Steelers win the Bingham Cup 2026 in Brisbane after an unbeaten campaign, with Leeds confirmed as host city for the tournament in 2028.
London’s Kings Cross Steelers are celebrating a huge international rugby success after winning the 2026 Bingham Cup in Brisbane.
The Steelers defeated Sydney Convicts 12 to 5 in the final after an outstanding tournament that saw them score 158 points during the pool stages without conceding a single point.
Steelers complete unbeaten Bingham Cup run
The team finished top of their pool before continuing their unbeaten run through the knockout stages.
A tight 8 to 5 victory over tournament hosts Brisbane Hustlers secured their place in the final, where they overcame one of the competition’s most successful clubs to bring the Bingham Cup back to London.
It is the Steelers’ second title after their first victory in Ottawa in 2022.
First team coach Bryan said: “I couldn’t be prouder of this group. They’ve worked incredibly hard for each other, trusted each other and shown so much character throughout this tournament.”
He added that seeing the team finish the competition by lifting the Bingham Cup was an incredibly special moment.
30 years of inclusive rugby
Kings Cross Steelers were founded in London in 1995 and describe themselves as the world’s first gay and inclusive rugby club.
The club’s creation helped inspire the development of inclusive rugby teams around the world, providing welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ players and allies while remaining firmly focused on competitive rugby.
The Brisbane triumph also caps an impressive summer for the Steelers after the club won rugby gold at the Valencia 2026 Gay Games.
Bingham Cup coming to Leeds in 2028
The celebrations also come alongside another positive development for LGBTQ+ rugby in Britain.
Leeds Hunters have been selected to host the Bingham Cup in July 2028, bringing the international tournament back to England.
The competition is organised by International Gay Rugby and is named in memory of openly gay rugby player Mark Bingham, who died aboard United Airlines Flight 93 during the September 11 attacks in 2001.
With the Steelers returning home as champions and Leeds preparing to welcome the international rugby community in 2028, it is an exciting period for LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby in the UK.
Follow Kings Cross Steelers at @KXSRFC on Instagram for more from the club. Images: Andi Ryan @idosyncratic_a / IG @igrbinghamamandacup.
