The first symposium on the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities through rugby to be held in Paris

With three days to go before the start of the knock-out phase for Rugby World Cup 2023, France 2023 and World Rugby want to take advantage of the exceptional platform offered by the tournament to highlight the inclusive power of rugby and its role in combating all forms of discrimination.

Organised in association with the FFR, the CADET-FFR, the LNR and with the support of World Rugby and Ville de Paris, this symposium will be held at the Carreau du Temple (Paris) on Coming Out Day and will focus on the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in rugby, and more broadly in sport.

This day will focus on discussion and reflection by bringing together researchers, athletes, experts and/or those concerned in an interactive round table format. Among others, England international and Rugby World Cup champion Ben Cohen, the French international winger Chloé Pelle and the chairman of International Gay Rugby (IGR) Ben Owen will be taking part in the debates.

This symposium, the first to be organised as part of a major international sporting event, is open to the general public, who can register via this link - subject to availability.

This is the third part of the "Rugby is my Pride" programme launched by France 2023, after producing an awareness-raising film shown before each Rugby World Cup 2023 match and participating in the Pride March on 24 June. The Pride Rugby Cup, an LGBTQIA+ friendly tournament, organised in collaboration with the FFR and les Coqs Festifs, to be held at the CNR in Marcoussis on 14 October, will bring the programme to a close.