About Union Cup

Europe's largest inclusive rugby tournament, promoting diversity and equality in sports.

The IGR UNION Cup is more than just a rugby tournament —it's a celebration of inclusivity, diversity, and the unifying power of sport. Since its inception, this event has grown to become one of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ inclusive sporting events. With Oslo Raballder RUFC as the host in 2025, we hope you join us in Oslo from May 29 to June 1 for an unforgettable celebration of rugby, community, and pride.

45+ Teams
1400+ Rugby Players
10+ Countries
5+ Women's+ Teams

Tournament Evolution

2005

Montpellier, France

The inaugural tournament featuring 8 teams was held.

2007

Copenhagen, Denmark

The second edition brought the tournament to the Nordics for the first time, with 10 teams participating.

2009

London, UK

The tournament continued to grow and a further 2 teams joined in, seeing 12 teams competing.

2011

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The tournament crossed the canal and participation remained strong, with 14 teams competing.

2013

Bristol, UK

The event expanded to include 19 squads representing 17 teams, and welcomed over 500 participants to the city.

2015

Brussels, Belgium

This edition of the event attracted approximately 700 players, fans, and officials, indicating a further increase in team participation.

2017

Madrid, Spain

The tournament continues to grow, and for the first time ever the tournament featured a non-European team, the Jozi Cats from Johannesburg, South Africa.

2019

Dublin, Ireland

The event continued to attract a diverse range of teams from across Europe, and for the first time a women's tournament was integrated into UNION Cup.

2023

Birmingham, UK

After a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the tournament reached a new milestone, 47 teams comprising 1,400 players from more than 10 countries.

2025

Oslo, Norway

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Oslo welcomes teams from across Europe, focusing on growth of the women's division and Trans* visibility to continue the inclusivity legacy of the tournament.

International Gay Rugby (IGR)

International Gay Rugby (IGR) was formed in 2000 when rugby teams from across the world came together because they wanted to form an organization that promoted rugby as an all-inclusive non-discriminatory sport which everyone can play, regardless of sexuality.

The goal of the IGR is to promote equality and diversity in rugby. Specifically, it strives to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and to provide opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ community to compete in rugby. As of November 2019, IGR is made up of 6,600+ members, 4,900+ players, 83 clubs, 148 teams spread over 20 countries.

Learn More

The Event

Registration

Registration is now open for UNION Cup 2025. Below you can find information about the registration, the cost, and what is included in the respective tickets. Standard registration is open until March 31. After that, late registration will be open until April 28.

NOTE: REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE WITH OR WITHOUT THE CLOSING CEREMONY & PARTY.

The option to register without the Closing Ceremony & Party has been made available for those who need to leave Oslo on Sunday and cannot attend the event, offering a slightly discounted rate.
Please note that this decision must be made at the time of registration and cannot be changed later. If you are unsure about your travel dates, we recommend choosing the ticket with the Closing Ceremony & Party to avoid missing out on the fun.

Player Registration

STANDARD - 1850 NOK
LATE - 2200 NOK

Ticket Includes:
  • - Opening ceremony
  • - Closing ceremony (a discount of 100 NOK is available for those who register without the closing ceremony)
  • - 3 days of game play
  • - Lunch (Friday - Sunday)
  • - Access to players village at Ekeberg (with food and beverage stands)
  • - Welcome bag

Supporter Registration

STANDARD - 1650 NOK
LATE - 2000 NOK

Ticket Includes:
  • - Opening ceremony
  • - Closing ceremony (a discount of 100 NOK is available for those who register without the closing ceremony)
  • - Lunch (Friday - Sunday)
  • - Access to players village at Ekeberg (with food and beverage stands)
  • - Welcome bag

Team affiliation: During the registration process, you will be asked about your team affiliation. If you do not have a team competing in the tournament but would like to play with a team that is accepting free agents, please select the "Barbarian" option when prompted.

Trans* players: We are very proud that the Norwegian Rugby Federation recognises the rights of TRANS players. Everyone at Union Cup 2025 Oslo is welcome to participate in the gender division (Men+ & Women+) of their preference. If you are also interested in participating in the Trans* exhibition match, please indicate this by ticking the relevant box during your registration.

Veterans: If you are 35+ and have "retired" from playing or just want some extra game time, please indicate this by ticking the relevant option during your registration. We will try to organise a fun exhibition match for the "oldies".

Bulk Registration: If you are a Team Manager seeking to do bulk registration, please use the option for unspecified tickets, then select the number of tickets required for the different options available. After completing the purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to a page where you can invite the individual ticket holders by email to complete their registration details, such as full names, date of birth, and dietary restrictions. On the same page, you will be able to see who has completed their registration and who has not, for follow-up. You can also complete the data yourself if you have the information at hand.

Spectators: Spectators do not need to register and will not have access to tournament perks. To enjoy the perks, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and access to the Players' Village (with beverage and food stands), a Supporter ticket is required.

Age limits: Please note that all players and supporters with access to the Players' Village must be 18+ due to alcohol licensing.

Payment Terms: Full payment is required at the time of purchase for card payments. When using the invoicing option, payment is due 10 days after the invoice is sent.

Schedule

MON MAY 26 — WED MAY 28

Practice pitches available

THU MAY 29

Training clinics
Captains' and Match Officials' Meetings
Opening ceremony

FRI MAY 30 — SAT MAY 31

Main tournament pool days

SUN JUN 01

Semi-final & final matches
Trans* Pride exhibition match
Closing ceremony

Venues Information

Ekeberg Idrettspark

Main Tournament Ground

Ekeberg Idrettspark

Ekebergveien 101, 1178 Oslo
15 minutes from downtown Oslo, service every 5 minutes
Stunning views over Oslo fjord
Ten rugby pitches (6 full-size and 4 slightly smaller)

Ekeberg Idrettspark isn't just a sports venue—it's a stage set for history. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Oslo fjord, it offers breathtaking views of the city and nature, as well as a sculpture park free for the public to enjoy.

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3KT Venue

Opening Ceremony Venue

3KT

Dokkveien 3, 0250 Oslo
7 minutes walk from Nationaltheatret station
Scenic location in the heart of Oslo
Flexible indoor/outdoor venue

A vibrant summer venue hosting hundreds of events and thousands of visitors each year. With its relaxed atmosphere and prime location, 3KT provides the perfect setting for our opening ceremony.

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Sentralen Venue

Closing Ceremony Venue

Sentralen

Øvre Slottsgate 3, 0157 Oslo
2 minutes walk from Stortinget station
Historic venue in central Oslo
Multiple spaces for socializing

Housed in Oslo's former Savings Bank building from 1901, Sentralen is a cultural hub perfect for our closing celebrations, featuring beautiful architecture and modern amenities.

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Tournament Ground Facilities

  • Players Village with Food & beverage stands
  • Medic and physio facilities
  • Changing facilities
  • Natural grass pitches with excellent drainage
  • Ample toilet availability

Opening Ceremony Facilities

  • Food Vendors
  • Bar
  • Art Installations
  • Stage with Event Sound System
  • Full Accessibility

Closing Ceremony Facilities

  • Multiple Bars
  • Full Accessibility
  • Event Sound System
  • Event Lighting

Watch Live

Main matches will be streamed for those that are not lucky enough to be in the middle of the action
- More info to come!

Participating Teams

This section will be updated as teams register for the tournament, showing a growing list of teams from across Europe who will be competing in the Union Cup 2025. Stay tuned to discover the diverse and inclusive lineup of participants joining us in Oslo!

Men's+ Division

Oslo Raballder

Oslo, Norway

Founded 2020

Host team for Union Cup 2025, the Raballders have been promoting inclusive rugby in Norway since 2020.

Latest News

Discounts

Accommodation Deals

We're able to serve you some fab accommodation deals in Oslo, thanks to our partner Strawberry.

We've got 5 prime hotels to choose from, all just a strut away from Oslo's nightlife and top attractions.

Premium (with breakfast)

2190 NOK

The Hub

- Yes, it will be the social hub too!

Mid-Range (with breakfast)

1690 NOK

Comfort Børsparken
Comfort Karl Johan
Comfort Grand Central

Budget (without breakfast)

1290 NOK

Comfort Xpress Youngstorget

The rates listed are maximum prices per night for a double occupancy in standard rooms during the main tournament (May 29 to June 1); single rooms and budget options may be available at lower rates.

Additionally, discounted rates are also available before and after, from May 26 to June 2, for those wishing to extend their visit in Oslo.

Book by March 1 for these amazing rates and included flexible cancellations.

Need more than 10 rooms? Contact groups@strawberry.no and mention UNION Cup 2025 to get tailored help for your club.

First come, first served - so don't miss out!

Airfare Discounts

For sure. We've scored a sweet deal with Norwegian Airlines for all you fabulous travellers!

Campaign Code

UNIONC25

Use for 10% off your flights to Norway - not just to Oslo, but anywhere in Norway you want to explore before or after the tournament.

Booking dates

Oct 1, 2024 - Feb 28, 2025

Travel dates

May 21, 2025 - Jun 8, 2025

Discount

10% off net fares on LowFare+ and FLEX fare classes

To snag this deal:

  1. Go to Norwegian.com
  2. Search for your travel dates
  3. Look for the "Campaign Code" option to appear either during the search or at the bottom of the results
  4. Enter UNIONC25 and watch those fares drop!

Heads up: Discount only applies to the base fare (before VAT) and is only available on Norwegian's website. For extra savings, sign up for Norwegian's newsletter - some sale offers may be even spicier!

Our Sponsors

Questions & Answers

Tournament Format

The tournament will feature a Men's+ division and a Women's+ division. Trans* men are men and will be welcomed into our Men's+ division. Trans* women are women and will be welcomed into our Women's+ division.

Participation

The tournament is open to all IGR-affiliated clubs and invited teams. New teams are welcome to apply for IGR membership to participate. Contact ross.barr-hoyland@igrugby.org for more information on IGR membership.

Getting Around

Ekeberg Idrettspark is easily accessible by public transport, just 15 minutes from downtown Oslo with service every 5 minutes. The venue offers ample parking if you're arriving by car.

While many attractions are within walking or biking distance, getting around Oslo is also easy and convenient thanks to the city's excellent public transportation system. Oslo's public transport network, operated by Ruter, includes buses, trams, the metro (T-bane), ferries, and local trains. One ticket works across all modes of transport, making it very convenient. Tickets can be bought via the Ruter app, at ticket machines, kiosks like Narvesen and 7-Eleven, or directly from bus drivers (though this is more expensive). Consider getting an Oslo Pass, which offers free travel within certain zones and includes access to many attractions

Yes, but taxis as well as Uber in Oslo can be quite expensive, especially during peak hours or late at night. It's therefore always a good idea to consider public transport options first and foremost. If still wanting to use this service, make sure to check the fare estimates before booking to avoid any surprises.

Airport Transfers

To get from Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) to Oslo city centre, you have several options. The Flytoget Airport Express Train takes about 20 minutes and departs every 10 minutes during the day. Regular trains operated by Vy also connect the airport to Oslo Central Station with frequent departures at a lower cost. The Flybussen express bus takes 40-50 minutes and operates around the clock. We do not recommend taxis unless necessary due to the high cost of this service, but they are available outside the arrivals hall, with a travel time of about 40 minutes.

To get from Torp Airport (Sandefjord) to Oslo city centre, you have several options. Vy trains run between Torp and Oslo Central Station approximately every hour. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. A shuttle bus connects the airport to Torp Station. The Torp Express bus service runs between the airport and Oslo Bus Terminal, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. We do not recommend taxis unless necessary due to the high cost of this service, but they are available outside the arrivals hall, with a travel time of about 1.5 hours.

Playing & Training Fields

All our practice and match pitches have no restrictions on stud types. However, please no cleats off the pitch! Help us do our part in reducing wear and tear on the grass. We might not get invited back otherwise!

We hope to host a small training clinic on Thursday, May 29th, before the opening ceremony. Practice fields will be available from Monday, May 26th, through Wednesday, May 28th. So plan to arrive early if your team wants a practice slot!

Trans* Inclusiveness

Absolutely! We are very proud that our national rugby union, Norges Rugbyforbund, recognises the rights of Trans* players; everyone at Union Cup 2025 Oslo is welcome to participate in the gender division (Men+ & Women+) of their preference. Let's show World Rugby and the trans-exclusive national unions how inclusive rugby should be!

Definitely! FLINTA* rugby, including Trans* rugby, is a key focus for Union Cup 2025 Oslo. Our Trans* Pride rugby exhibition match is scheduled for Sunday June 1st. We can't wait!

Official Events

Both meetings will be held in the afternoon on Thursday, May 29th, before the opening ceremony. It's a bougie affair though, only Captains and Match Officials are invited! The location is being looked into, but we aim for it to be within walking distance from Oslo city center.

Information on the bidding process for UNION Cup 2027 will be coming in the next few weeks from IGR. Stayed tuned.

Social

In addition to the opening and closing parties, a FLINTA meet-up event is being planned. We are also in dialogue with LGBTQ+ friendly venues in town to see what they are interested in putting on for the event. More details will be shared closer to the event.

We are working on compiling a list of recommendations for you all, both in terms of restaurants and other places to go, so stay tuned to this website. We are also in the process of securing discounts for team dinners with a number of different restaurant options, and we hope to share these shortly in our Discounts segment here on the website.

Alcohol prices in Oslo can be quite high compared to many other cities, largely due to heavy taxation. Here are some reference prices to give you an idea. A pint of beer at a bar or restaurant typically costs between 90-120 NOK. Specialty or imported beers can be even more expensive. A glass of wine usually costs around 100-150 NOK. A cocktail or a shot of spirits can range from 120-200 NOK. While these prices might seem steep, you can find more affordable options by purchasing alcohol from grocery stores for pre-drinks or enjoying happy hour deals at some bars.

The main driver of cost when dining out is alcohol. When it comes to food, Oslo offers a wide variety of options for different budgets. A meal at a mid-range restaurant would set you back 200-400 NOK per person, high-end restaurants 500 NOK and above per person, and for casual dining and fast food, 100-200 NOK per person. For more affordable meals, try local markets, food trucks, and one of our many food halls offering a variety of food at decent prices.

The Hosts & Rugby in Norway

Founded in 2019, Oslo Raballder RUFC is Norway's first LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby club and a member of International Gay Rugby (IGR) and the Norwegian Rugby Federation. With a slowly growing membership, the club provides a safe and welcoming environment for queer athletes and allies, promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports. As of last year, the team has also participated in a development league with friendly competition with/against different teams from across Norway.

While the sport is still small, it is growing, with the Norwegian Rugby Federation supporting various clubs. Rugby Union is the most popular form, and despite the climate challenges, the sport thrives. Norway's national teams compete in European competitions, and local clubs promote inclusivity and community engagement.

Rules and Eligibility

The Tournament Liaison Committee (TLC) is tasked with developing and administering the tournament's eligibility rules, which define who can play at the UNION Cup 2025, as well as player movement between clubs and other matters related to roster management. The TLC is also responsible for developing the tournament rules themselves, as well as the tournament structure, in consultation with the organizing committee, and with seeding the participating sides amongst the various tiers defined in the tournament structure.

For questions related to permission to tour forms, please contact jules.crossley-nilsen@rugby.no.

Oslo

Stay tuned, as we are preparing a guide of our beautiful city for you.
From stunning nature to funky places to dance, Oslo has something for everyone.