Bristol Bisons arrive Down Under for the 2026 Bingham Cup
The South West’s first inclusive rugby team is representing the region on the world's stage at the bi-annual event
The Bristol Bisons squad will be showcasing their skills Down Under, as they've arrived in Brisbane to compete in the prestigious Bingham Cup tournament.
The bi-annual competition marks their debut in the southern hemisphere, highlighting their inclusive and queer-friendly ethos.
Read more: Brisbane celebrates inclusive rugby as it hosts the 2026 Bingham Cup
Founded in 2005, Bristol Bisons RFC stands as the first inclusive rugby club in the South West, offering a welcoming space for LGBT+ players and allies.
The Bingham Cup, named in honour of former rugby player Mark Bingham, who tragically lost his life in the 9/11 attacks, is a biennial tournament that draws participants from around the globe.
The team previously achieved third place in their tiers during the 2024 Rome tournament.
'It's a fantastic opportunity'
Captain Daryn McCombe has been catching up with Hits Radio Pride Down Under, as the squad get ready for three days of exciting competition.
His side came third in their tier last time around in Rome - and has been telling us they're looking to do even better this time around.
Daryn said: "Getting to Australia has been a massive endeavour for us.
"When we were in Rome, around a dozen UK clubs joined us for the Bingham Cup, but this time, there's only three, which ramps-up the pressure a little bit.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for us, and the first time ever that the Bisons have visited the Southern Hemisphere."
They've even commissioned a specially-designed strip for their tour, which the club have described as a 'love letter to Bristol'.
Daryn added: "This special kit has been designed by our vice-captain, who's done an absolutely fantastic job, incorporating so many icons from across Bristol.
"We've got balloons from the fiesta, cans of Clear Head from the Bristol Beer Factory, and a load of other icons, and it's just our way of saying how proud we are to represent our home.
"And we absolutely want to take some silverware home.
"We're really excited about our prospects doing that, but more importantly, we want to represent Bristol.
"We've all got our own reasons for doing it - whether it's playing more creatively, meeting new people, or playing a different style of rugby.
"Each of us have all got personal goals we want to achieve."
'It's such a fantastic sport'
The Bisons have just celebrated their 20th birthday, having been founded back in 2005 - and a lot has changed in the world of inclusive sport since then.
Daryn reflected: "Our birthday events are a really exciting opportunity to bring all of our members together.
"For us, the reason we exist is to make sure there's a safe space for anyone who wants to play rugby.
"And it's such a fantastic sport, and is a brilliant way to make friends.
"We continue to campaign on loads of issues in the wiser rugby world, and continue to work with our local clubs and national unions to make them more inclusive too.
"Over the last few years, we've grown to nearly 100 members, which is really fantastic.
"That's gone as well with improving the way we're playing - and we even have a former Red Rose as our coach.
"It's a sport which is growing, and it's great to see more awareness about what we do too."
The mission: getting to Australia
In preparation for their Aussie adventure, the Bisons secured sponsorship from local businesses such as Origin Athletic, Bristol Beer Factory, and RAM Rugby, which have provided equipment and support.
But one of the most gruelling bits was their team challenge - a gruelling a 100-day cycling challenge, designed to cover the distance from Bristol to Brisbane.
Daryn said: "My legs were very happy when we finished that!
"It was just a way of helping our members with the huge costs of getting to Australia.
"It's all self-funded, and funded through our sponsors, but what a phenomenal thing to have done.
"The challenge was so much hard work, but great to see everyone getting involved with it too."
The Bingham Cup takes place from 19 to 23 August.