Hawkland sponsors Bristol Bisons RFC
We interviewed Anthony, Bison’s Club Secretary, to find out the latest from the South West’s first inclusive and queer-friendly rugby team.
Bristol Bisons RFC is the South West’s first inclusive rugby team. Since 2005, they have welcomed players (and supporters) of all abilities, backgrounds and sexualities from Bristol, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas. Last year, we were thrilled to kick off our sponsorship with the Bisons. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Anthony, the Club Secretary, to delve deeper into the team's growth and what exciting plans lie ahead.
Anthony joined the Bisons in September 2021 after relocating to Bristol from the North West. He had heard the Bisons mentioned in various gay bars and cafes across the city as a safe and inclusive place to meet new people. Despite not coming from a sporty background, he decided to try something new.
“I turned up at the end of September, shaking in my boots, and found such a welcoming herd of people.”
After a few weeks, Anthony went from being alone in Bristol to having a massive support network and a newfound love for rugby. While he certainly had his hesitations around the sport - “for myself and a lot of queer men, we still have those memories of PE at school,” - he was reassured by the club’s safe, open, and queer-centric environment. Anthony, now in his third season, has taken up the position of club secretary to help support, drive, and develop the club.
Bisons partner with Bristol Bears RFC
Last year, the Bisons partnered with the Bristol Bears on the Rainbow Laces campaign headed by Premiership Rugby. Premier League rugby clubs across the country were asked to reach out and raise the profile of their local inclusive clubs. The campaign aimed to promote equality and inclusivity within the sport for LGBTQ+ people and tackle discrimination on every level. Any time someone wears rainbow laces on their boots, the full inclusion in rugby of all people, regardless of their identity or lived experience, is affirmed. Andrew underscores what premiership support means for inclusive rugby and is actively working to strengthen the Bisons-Bears partnership for the future.
Up next for the Bisons
There is much in store for the Bisons, including the Bingham Cup in Rome. The tournament, which will be held in May, is the equivalent of the World Cup for the International Gay Rugby Association (IGR). This year, the Bison’s huge growth as a club has allowed them to bring two full teams: the first team Tankers and the development Buffalos. Andrew shares how amazing it is for the Bisons to share the experience of an international tournament with players of all abilities and backgrounds. To do so, the club has been driving fundraising initiatives for all its members to attend.
“The Bisons encapsulates people from all different socio-economic backgrounds. Inclusivity isn’t just about sexuality, but also about class.”
Additionally, the Bisons have been developing their new touch rugby team and continuing their work within the community. In September, the club launched Bisons Touch: a no-contact team for any gender and any experience. Notably, the team encourages female, trans, and retired members to participate. Andrew notes that a continued priority for the Bisons is supporting the queer community in and around Bristol. The club is currently fundraising for Brigstowe - a charity whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for people living with HIV. They will also be continuing their outreach into the community by attending local schools during Pride month, and are supporting the Transmanian Devils rugby team with a spotlight match.
Our Sponsorship
“When we found out that Hawkland, a business with inclusivity as a key cornerstone, wanted to support us, many of our players were pleasantly surprised.”
Hawkland was founded with inclusivity at its core. We believe that no one should be excluded from our site or any part of our company based on their background, gender, race, religion, social status, sexual orientation or otherwise. The creation of a positive and inclusive culture is such an important goal for us, especially in an industry that is dominated by an often masculine and heterosexual culture. We hope that our sponsorship with the Bristol Bisons reflects our commitment to drive positive and necessary change within the UK construction industry.
About the Bisons
The Bisons provide a safe and open environment for gay, straight and bisexual individuals to participate in sport, regardless of; age, ability, experience or sexual orientation. The club promotes access to sport for its members to learn and participate at all levels of the game – whether individuals wish to be involved in the club; socially, simply training to keep fit or playing competitively.
Bristol Bisons train twice weekly from September through to June, taking approximately 6–8 weeks break during high summer.