Rugby League club set to wear ‘Homophobia: Tackle It!’ Shirts during Mainstream Game

Sheffield Eagles RFC have joined forces with the Rugby Football League to show their support for the fight against homophobia.

Players from the professional Rugby League club are dedicating their home game against Widnes Vikings in Sheffield on 13 March by wearing a specially commissioned shirt featuring the ‘Homophobia: Tackle It!’ slogan sponsored by LGBT History Month and Pride Sports.

Sheffield Eagles are the first professional club in mainstream UK sport to display such a high level of support for the anti-homophobia campaign.

Sheffield Eagles’ Chief Executive Mark Aston, said: “We’re delighted to be able to do our bit to highlight the fight against homophobia. The Eagles have always been a progressive club and we believe it’s a cause worth supporting. We’re proud to be the first Rugby League club to take a stand.”

Rugby Football League (RFL) Chairman Richard Lewis, said: “To have Sheffield playing a competitive league game in this special kit is great news.

“At the RFL we are committed to eradicating all traces of discrimination from our sport and we have made great strides in recent years and the commitment of the Eagles side to wear the specially designed kits is just the latest step forwards for the sport.”

The Eagles’ decision to wear the specially branded shirts came after director Chris Nobile attended an LGBT workshop at the RFL Equality and Diversity conference for clubs.

Sarah Williams, RFL Equality and Diversity Manager added: “Sheffield Eagles playing a competitive league game in these specially designed shirts is a first for any sport and it is a very proud moment for Rugby League to be leading the way once again in promoting inclusion and tackling homophobia.

“We hope as many people as possible will support the Sheffield Eagles on March 13.”

On the day the team will also be presented with the Pride Sports Challenge Cup, a trophy that will recognise, annually, Rugby League teams which support LGBT History Month.


Jeni Quirke  pinkpaper.com


Tickets for the game are available now by calling 0871 9951889