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The Bingham Cup 2026 Brisbane

The Mark Kendall Bingham Memorial Tournament is the biennial world championship of LGBTQIA+ and inclusive rugby clubs.

  • Event Dates

    From: Sunday, August 16, 2026
    To: Monday, August 24, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • Rugby Matches
    • Rugby Men
    • Need we say more?
    • After Parties
    • Social Gatherings

The Bingham Cup 2026

The Mark Kendall Bingham Memorial Tournament is the biennial world championship of LGBTQIA+ and inclusive rugby clubs. First held in 2002, Bingham Cup is the premier global event promoting rugby union as an inclusive, non-discriminatory sport.

  • Visiting Brisbane? Enjoy a unique experience at the Ovolo Hotel, rated “Superb” by guests and featuring exquisite decor, a stunning rooftop pool and high end room amenities.

The Bingham Cup

  • Next Edition: Sunday 16th August 2026 – Monday 24th August 2026.
  • The event will host a week of sport, activities and celebrations. The tournament was named after Mark Bingham, a former University of California, Berkeley rugby star who had played in the May 2001 tournament for San Francisco Fog RFC and cofounded the Gotham Knights RFC.
  • Bingham died in the September 11, 2001 attacks on board United Airlines Flight 93. According to Jon Barrett of The Advocate, he is generally accepted to be one of a group of passengers who fought with the hijackers aboard the flight, which eventually led to the hijackers crashing the plane into a vacant field in Pennsylvania instead of targets in Washington, D.C
  • Every two years, Mark’s legacy brings together rugby players, supporters and staff from around the world in a celebration of equality, inclusivity and sportsmanship.
  • The next city to host the event is Brisbane. Expect the city to be full with players, fans and a smattering of drag queens!
  • Stay just steps from the matches and afterparties at Spicers Balfour Hotel, located in fashionable New Farm, the boutique hotel is rated “Superb” by guests with unique decor and superb service.

The Schedule

  • Events run from Wednesday to Sunday.
  • Opening ceremony kicks off at 8 pm on Wednesday.
  • Matches run from 8 pm to 5 pm daily, followed by Beers, Meetups and activities.
  • Closing ceremony is on Sunday at 8 pm.

Gay Brisbane

  • About an hour’s flight north of Sydney, Brisbane is the main gateway to Australia’s famous Gold Coast resort area. Dubbed “Bris Vegas” by locals, it’s an exciting city, known around the country for its non-stop nightlife.
  • Much of the city’s nightlife, including live music and several gay clubs, is found in Fortitude Valley.

Where to stay in Brisbane?

The following Brisbane hotels are currently trending with our readers:

The Fantauzzo,   Grand Chancellor,   Meriton Suites   Hyatt Regency

Gay Map of Brisbane

72 Queen Street Bus Station, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Located opposite Queen Street Mall in Brisbane's CBD (Central Business District), Hyatt Regency Brisbane boasts a restaurant, a fitness centre and a rooftop swimming pool with a pool-side bar. All rooms offer city views, free WiFi and access to the guest lounge.

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43 Herschel Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Just 100 m from the Brisbane River, Meriton Suites Herschel Street offer modern self-contained accommodation with a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a DVD player on request. Guests enjoy unlimited free WiFi at the property.

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5 Boundary Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Art Series - The Fantauzzo has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar in Brisbane. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.

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23 Leichhardt Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

This 4.5-star hotel in the centre of Brisbane features a restaurant and bar with city views, rooftop swimming pool and fitness room, plus spacious rooms with LCD TV and private balcony.

Each room at Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane features a minibar and a work desk with wireless internet access. Most rooms have panoramic views of the Roma Street Parklands or the city.

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550 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

This thoughtfully designed apartment features 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a fridge, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a hairdryer and free toiletries. A living room with flat-screen TV with cable channels. Free WiFi

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43 Herschel St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

Offering modern self-contained accommodation with a flat-screen cable TV, a fully equipped kitchen. Each apartment has laundry facilities and a bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Free WiFi

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Relax with your family in our fabulous 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Apartment in Brisbane City. Take in the amazing views of the River from our balcony and enjoy the comfort and lux amenities the apartment offers

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An immaculate, clean, pristine, bright apartment with floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the beautiful city and mountains from every room high up on the 31st floor with wonderful air flow throughout the apartment. 

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677 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia

A mixed crowd mingles at this longtime gay dance club with a roomy interior & a relaxed ambiance.

Website

308 Wickham Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Established in 1885, The Wickham Hotel is undoubtedly one of Brisbane’s most iconic venues. The hotel has proudly supported the LGBTQIA+ community sinces the 1970s and is proud to be the home of Big Gay Day, Brisbane’s largest LGBTQIA+ festival.

Facebook

130 Leichhardt Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Affectionately known as "Sporties", This is the only totally gay owned and operated gay bar in Brisbane and have been serving the community for over 30 years! 

WEBSITE

Recommended Hotels in Brisbane By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Brisbane that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

Crystalbrook Vincent
5 Star, Luxury

Crystalbrook Vincent
Booking.com
  • 5-Star, Outdoor Pool, Fitness Centre
  • Close to the gay district
  • Desk, TV, coffee machine
  • Offers luxurious amenities with a restaurant, pool, and fitness center, perfect for a stylish Brisbane stay

Meriton Suites
5 Star, Great Value

Booking.com
  • 5-Star, Near Brisbane River, Modern
  • Close to the gay district
  • Self-contained, flat-screen TV
  • Just 100m from Brisbane River, offers modern suites, ideal for comfort and convenience in the city

Hyatt Regency
5 Star, Location

Booking.com
  • 5-Star, Opposite Queen Street Mall
  • Close to the gay district
  • City views, free WiFi
  • Located in the CBD, boasts a rooftop pool, restaurant, ideal for an urban escape with luxury

Hotel Grand Chancellor
4.5 Star, Readers Choice

Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane
Booking.com
  • 4.5-Star, Rooftop Pool, City Views
  • A short walk to the gay bars
  • LCD TV, private balcony
  • Central location, features panoramic city views, rooftop pool, ideal for exploring Brisbane's charm

Video The Bingham Cup

A look back at previous events.

Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane

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