Shout it from the stands: the Bingham Cup returned to Brisbane for a raucous, joyful long weekend of inclusive rugby, bringing roughly 50 teams from across the globe together to celebrate sport, community and competition , and announcing Leeds as the 2028 host city.

Essential Takeaways

  • Historic winners: London’s Kings Cross Steelers reclaimed the Bingham Cup, beating the Sydney Convicts 12-5, their second tournament victory.
  • Big turnout: Around 50 teams competed across multiple trophies, from the Amanda Mark Cup to the Challenger Stein.
  • Festival atmosphere: Organisers and players described Brisbane’s vibe as “electric and joyful,” mixing fierce matches with lively social events.
  • Legacy and values: Leaders highlighted the tournament’s roots in Mark Bingham’s legacy , inclusion, belonging and friendship through rugby.
  • Next stop: Leeds, UK, won the bid to host the 2028 Bingham Cup, marking England’s third time staging the event.

A final that felt like a storybook ending

The tournament’s showpiece match delivered a tight, gritty contest and a tangible sigh of relief for the victors, with the Kings Cross Steelers lifting the top prize after a 12-5 win over the Sydney Convicts. Reporters at the final noted a mix of tension and warmth in the air, a feeling of shared history as much as competition. According to ITV, the Steelers’ win was celebrated by players and supporters who’d travelled halfway around the world, proving these events are as much about camaraderie as scoreboard glory.

Brisbane served the party as well as the pitches

Organisers say the weekend was packed with more than rugby; welcoming and closing parties, social fixtures and local hospitality turned the tournament into a proper festival. Visit Brisbane and local coverage described how venues around the city hosted draws and socials, giving visiting teams a chance to explore and unwind between matches. If you’re heading to the Bingham Cup in future, plan for both shin pads and social shoes , you’ll need both.

Multiple trophies, multiple stories

The Bingham Cup isn’t just one trophy , it’s a tiered championship that allows clubs of many levels to compete and take home silverware. From the Amanda Mark Cup to the Challenger Stein, winners ranged from Ottawa Wolves to the Perth Rams. Outsports’ coverage of the event highlighted standout performances across divisions, meaning clubs that train hard get their moment in the sun , and travelling supporters get plenty to cheer about.

Why the Bingham Cup matters beyond the scoreboard

Tournament leaders and IGR representatives keep reminding fans that this event exists to honour Mark Bingham’s legacy by forging inclusive spaces in sport. Jason Garrick and Quinton Leduc both reflected on how the Cup brings people together and creates a sense of belonging, an observation reflected in numerous player interviews. For many teams, the Bingham Cup is a rare opportunity to compete openly and visibly, which matters for grassroots growth and for changing perceptions of rugby culture.

Leeds 2028: what to expect and why it’s a win for UK rugby

At the closing ceremony organisers announced Leeds as host for the 2028 tournament, following successful bids from the city’s inclusive side, the Leeds Hunters. England has hosted twice before, and bringing the Cup to Leeds signals strong local support and good infrastructure for a large, international event. If you’re in the UK and curious, start watching how local clubs gear up , bids like this often spark new programmes, recruitment drives and community partnerships.

It's a small change that can make every match , and every clubhouse , more welcoming.

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