Tackle Homophobia - First for Rugby league!



On May 5th as a curtain raiser for the Oldham v Blackpool game, the Oldham Roughyeds reserve team played a game of touch rugby against Manchester gay Rugby Union team, the Village Spartans which was played with a commemorative pink rugby ball designed especially for the match.

It was a fantastic event with the crowd appreciating the touch rugby match, especially the decisive win of 6 : 2 by the home team, a hilarious `Dafydd the only gay in the village’ look alike provided commentary and entertained the crowd throughout the match. At half time the Village Spartans threw miniature pink rugby balls with the IDAHO and Kick Homophobia out of Oldham logos out to the crowds who rushed to catch their souvenir of the day! The event organised by Sean Mellor, was endorsed by Barry McDermott and attended and supported by Sarah Williams Equality and Diversity Manager of the RFL, Mark Swanwick, of Kick Homophobia out of Oldham, the Oldham LGBT forum and the Worshipful, the mayor Counsellor Ann Wingate. The Roughyeds have also committed to working with the LGB community, council and PCT over the next year by  attending several LGB events including Oldham pride and to showcase rugby league for the first time at the Pride Games in Manchester this September.

Sean Mellor, the Roughyeds and Oldham spectators are all to be congratulated for being the first RL team to raise awareness of the Lesbian Gay and Bisexual community and the importance of challenging homophobia  and promoting inclusion. In the words of Barry McDermott “discrimination in any form has no place in modern society. The beauty of our game is that it is all about inclusion rather than exclusion today’s event is a positive step to in making that possible, after all we’re all united in our love for our great game of Rugby League.” Could also include photo of Barry sent by his office.

Oldham 38 - 26 Blackpool Panthers

SEVEN tries saw the Roughyeds record their fifth win from six league games following a performance which left coach Steve Deakin considering his position. Oldham advertiser.