United in Rugby
Our theme for Union Cup 2019 is unity. Bringing us together in a shared love of rugby, a pride in our community and a recognition that we are stronger together. We compete fiercely on the field, however off it we are family.
The Emerald Warriors are excited to invite teams from across Europe to participate in Union Cup 2019 which is taking place in Dublin, Ireland. For the first time in Union Cup history, we are delighted to also invite women’s teams to participate in the Union Cup Women’s tournament.
Union Cup 2019 will run from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th of June 2019.
Our opening ceremony on Friday the 7th will unite friends from around Europe to come celebrate the start of what will be two full days of competitive rugby union.
Tournament play will take place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of June at Dublin City University (DCU) Sports Campus in North Dublin.
Our tournament closing party will take place on Sunday 9th June.
Union Cup
Our aim is to share the excitement and camaraderie of rugby with our wider LGBT community. Studies show over half of all men who identify as LGBT suffer poor health as a result of inactivity—twice the number of their straight peers.
It’s no secret that the world of sport often seems inaccessible to LGBT individuals. Many of us have personal experience with feelings of exclusion: picked last for teams in school sports, mocked for our mannerisms, uncomfortable with our bodies or unable to connect with straight teammates for fear of being outed. Feeling shut out from the world of sport and not enjoying the physical, mental and social health benefits associated with sport can leave queer people averse to the idea of joining teams and clubs in adulthood.
As Ireland’s largest inclusive rugby club, the Emerald Warriors’ mission is to change that.
The Union Cup is a biennial tournament in which all of Europe’s IGR-affiliated, LGBT rugby clubs compete. It is our honour to invite our fellow clubs to Dublin in 2019 as we prepare to host the games. Union Cup celebrates and promotes inclusivity in sport, proving LGBT people can not only participate in a game like rugby, but can truly excel. We’re bringing the Union Cup tournament to Dublin to turn every stereotype, every joke, every preconceived notion about our abilities and our roles in society on their heads, and we want you to join us!
The Tournament
The Emerald Warriors RFC is delighted to host 45 teams from across Europe for the 2019 Union Cup. The Union Cup is a two-day tournament for Europe’s IGR-affiliated clubs. The tournament has grown steadily as rugby gains traction in LGBT communities across Europe. First hosted in Montpellier in 2005, the tournament has become a fixture on the calendars of Europe’s LGBT rugby clubs. Previous host cities include Copenhagen, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bristol and Madrid. An expected 1,400 attendees will arrive in Dublin from across the continent. With the support of Fáilte Ireland, the IRFU and other key community partners, our club is looking forward to making this the best Union Cup yet.
TEAMS
DAYS
COUNTRIES
Tournament
Men’s Tournament
We are delighted to invite teams from all over Europe to come and compete in Union Cup 2019. Union Cup will have 3 tiers with teams competing for The Union Cup 2019, The Union Plate 2019 and The Union Bowl 2019.
Women’s Tournament
For the first Union Cup ever we are delighted to invite womens’ teams to register to come and compete for The Women’s Union Cup 2019.
Dates & Schedule
The tournament will run from Friday the 7thto Sunday the 9thof June 2019.
| Friday 7th June (Evening) | Opening Ceremony |
| Saturday 8th June | Tournament Play |
| Sunday 9th June | Tournament Play |
| Sunday 9th June (Evening) | Closing Party |
Structure and Organisation
The Irish Rugby Football Union IRFU, our national Rugby Union, will support the Emerald Warriors with operational and officiating elements of the tournament.
This will ensure that the focus will be on game play of the highest quality and will deliver a professional approach.
International Gay Rugby
Union Cup Dublin 2019 is and IGR affiliated tournament. To find out more about their activities and other tournaments you can visit their site here.
Union Cup Dublin 2019 tournament venue is Dublin City University Sports Campus which is situated in the northside of Dublin city.
For the tournament play we will have four grass rugby pitches and one rugby grade all weather pitch all located together.
DCU Sports Campus is a short walk from the DCU student accommodation complex where we will be accommodated for the duration of the tournament.
We have reserved accommodation for 1,200 guests in Dublin City University Student accommodation residences at very competitive prices for the 7thto the 10thJune inclusive.
Apartment Style accommodation is located within a short walking distance of the tournament venue and will offer private, secure, single, double and twin en-suite rooms with shared living facilities.
Accommodation is available on a B&B basis. You will have the option to book evening meals in the campus restaurant.
On-Campus stores are also within a short walking distance.
Booking must be done directly with DCU accommodation and they request that you do group bookings for your team once you have registered to attend the tournament.
Accommodation can also be arranged with DCU for dates prior to and after the tournament for those wishing to extend their trip to Dublin.
We are working to get discounted deals with other accommodation providers in the city but recommend that you use the tournament accommodation as this is where the central hub for Union Cup 2019 will be, with the majority of the events happening here.
Accommodation will be assigned by DCU on a first come first served basis so we recommend that you reserve quickly.
DCU Accommodation rates are as follows
- Single en suite B&B €60.00pp per night
- Single shared facilities B&B €55.00pp per night
- Double en suite B&B €50.00pp per night
- Twin en suite B&B €50.00pp per night
Our Partners
Participating Clubs
We are planning for the biggest Union Cup to date and are expecting more than 1,400 to attend from across Europe. More than 45 teams and for the first time a women’s tournament.
We expect some clubs to field multiple sides. Other clubs don’t have enough players to form a full squad of 25 and will team up with others to make a full squad.
Union Cup Dublin 2019 is shaping up to be the biggest and most inclusive Union Cup to date.
Registration
Registration for Union Cup Dublin 2019 is now OPEN.
WE REQUEST ALL CLUBS TO CO-ORDINATE YOUR GROUP WHO ARE GOING TO ATTEND AND TO DO ONE BULK REGISTRATION
Please click on to the registration link to complete you team’s registration.
Please direct any questions you may have regarding your registration(s) and payment to info@unioncupdublin.ie
The registration categories, payment deadlines and registration fee per person of Union Cup Dublin 2019 are as follows:
| Registration category | Payment deadline | Player registration fee p.p. | Staff / Supporter registration fee p.p. |
| Early Bird | 31st January 2019 | €125 | €110 |
| Standard | 28th February 2019 | €145 | €125 |
| Late (Team) | 31st May 2019 | €165 | €145 |
| Late (Individuals) | 31st May 2019 | €165 | €145 |
| Women’s Tournament | 31st May 2019 | €75* |
*For those who had previously registered for the Women’s Tournament at the higher rate, we will be refunding the difference directly
Volunteer
Come and be part of Union Cup Dublin 2019 as a volunteer!
We need volunteers to help us make this event one that is memorable for everyone involved.
- As a volunteer you will be a valued member of the team and you will get to enjoy the excitement and fun from the inside.
- Volunteers will be asked to give their time and expertise over the weekend of the 7th to the 10th of June.
- If you are keen to get involved please contact info@unioncupdublin.ie and we will follow up with you to make sure we find a role that works for both you and the event
Contact
- Tournament Location:
Dublin City University - info@unioncupdublin.ie
- +353 86 8391629