Australian Rugby joins in 2015 Mardi Gras parade

Fri, Mar 6, 2015, 1:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Qantas Wallaby and Aquis Brumbies player Matt Toomua and former RaboDirect Rebels back, Lachlan Mitchell will represent Australian Rugby alongside their counterparts from the Bingham Cup Champions, the Sydney Convicts at the 2015 Mardi Gras Parade.

The lead float for this year’s parade will be the Anti-Homophobia in Sport float, which will include current and former greats from many sports including Rugby Union, Rugby League, Cricket, FFA and the AFL.

The Sydney Convicts’ success will be represented through a “human” Bingham Cup that will follow the float throughout the parade.

In August of 2014 the Sydney Convicts defeated the Brisbane Hustlers 31-0 to win the Bingham Cup.

The Sydney Convicts Club Founder and Bingham Cup Sydney 2014 President Andrew Purchas was proud the Convicts were championing anti-homophobia.

“In 2014 The Sydney Convicts were proud to work with the ARU and the other major professional Australian Sporting codes in signing a commitment to stamp out homophobia in sport in Australia.

“We have a great partnership with the ARU and this float is a great opportunity to express rugby’s desire to end discrimination and promote inclusion.

“Sport has an enormous influence in Australian society. The importance of the five major sporting codes taken genuine action to ensure that everybody is welcome to their sports regardless of sexuality cannot be underestimated.

Former Rebels utility back, Lachlan Mitchell has given his time to the Melbourne Chargers, Melbourne’s Gay Rugby Club and was looking forward to taking part in the Parade.

“I was invited down to the Melbourne Chargers and it gave me a unique opportunity to see the importance of the Club from the player’s perspective and what it means to the community.

“It’s really important that these (Gay Rugby) clubs exist as it provides a clear path for the Gay community to get into Rugby.

“I am looking forward to the parade and representing Rugby on the night.”

Lachlan Mitchell received 50 Super Rugby caps for the Melbourne Rebels and currently still works for the club in an off-field capacity.

You view the ARU’s inclusion policy here.

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