Gay rugby team accepted into Arizona Rugby Union

Rough-and-tumble gay rugby team Phoenix Storm has gained associate member status in the Arizona Rugby Union, the team announced in a press release. The team was accepted into the organization June 2.

The Storm submitted a petition at the rugby union's annual meeting, asking to considered for membership by the state's governing rugby board. Associate member status guarantees the team at least six union matches and participation at all union meetings.

According to the press release, Ted Rybka, a representative from the Storm, stood before the board and said, "We are the Phoenix Storm. We are a predominately gay rugby team, but we do have a few straights. So I guess you could say we really are equal opportunity." He continued, "We belong to the International Gay Rugby Association and Board and in June 2008 we will be heading to Dublin to represent Arizona. We would like to really represent the state of Arizona by being an associate member of the Arizona Rugby Union."

The rugby union accepted the team's petition by a unanimous vote.

The Phoenix Storm was founded in the summer of 2004 as a team open to men of any sexual orientation, race, age, or prior rugby experience. The team played its first match in March of 2005; not a single player had played a game of rugby prior to that day.

Head coach Phill Barber said in the press release, "Being accepted into the ARU is a huge step for our team as it signals that we are ready to play rugby at a higher, more competitive level. This is an exciting time for Storm Rugby--joining the local Union and going to the Bingham Cup in Dublin, Ireland, representing Arizona and the USA, in only our third year is testament to the entire team, coaching staff and supporters. Go Storm!"

The team currently belongs to the International Gay Rugby Association and Board, which is composed of 36 teams from across the globe. The international association hosts the biennial tournament for the Mark Kendall Bingham Memorial Trophy, also called the Bingham Cup. The trophy is named for Mark Bingham, a San Francisco rugby player who made headlines for his heroism on 9/11. The Phoenix Storm placed seventh its first time in the tournament. The team will go to Dublin next June to participate in the 2008 Bingham Cup. (The Advocate)