About the NORAM Cup

The place to be for inclusive rugby.

The North America (NORAM) Cup is a biennial gay and inclusive rugby tournament, and the largest rugby union tournament in North America. The inaugural NORAM Cup was in 2023, hosted by the Charlotte Royals in North Carolina. The host city and club for the 2025 tournament is Boston, Massachusetts and the Boston Ironsides RFC.

The 2025 NORAM Championship will field two divisions, Men’s+ and Women’s+, as well as a Trans Match.

Similar to the Bingham Cup and the Union Cup on an international and European scale respectively and held biennially, the NORAM Cup focuses on promoting inclusivity, diversity, and camaraderie within the rugby community specifically in North America. It brings together LGBTQ+ rugby teams and allies from various parts of North America to compete in a spirit of sportsmanship and celebration. 

The tournament provides a platform for teams to showcase their skills, athleticism, and dedication to the sport while fostering a sense of community, acceptance, and respect. It emphasizes the values of inclusivity and equality in sports, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to participate in rugby in a welcoming environment. 

The NORAM Cup serves as a testament to the commitment of IGR and its member clubs in North America to create a space where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can enjoy rugby and contribute to a positive and inclusive rugby culture. 

International Gay Rugby (IGR) was formed in 2000 when rugby teams from across the world came together because they wanted to form an organization that promoted rugby as an all-inclusive non-discriminatory sport which everyone can play, regardless of sexuality.

The goal of the IGR is to promote equality and diversity in rugby. Specifically, it strives to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and to provide opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ community to compete in rugby. As of November 2019, IGR is made up of 6,600+ members, 4,900+ players, 83 clubs, 148 teams spread over 20 countries.

Looking for tournament details?

Check out our Tournament Information page for more.