The RFL is proud to celebrate Pride Month 2025 and reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and allyship across the sport.
Building on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (17 May 2025), and its theme “The Power of Communities”, we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and continue to work towards a game that supports the Rugby League family.
While we acknowledge that our recent Pride post received a mix of reactions, including some that were disappointing, we remain unwavering in our values.
We want to be clear:
Rugby League has a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination in all its forms.
We are committed to creating an environment where all players, fans, coaches, officials, and volunteers feel safe, welcome, and valued.
We urge everyone in the Rugby League family to actively stand against homophobia and transphobia on the pitch, in the stands, and online.
If you witness or experience discrimination, we encourage you to report it. When you speak up, we will respond appropriately.
Reporting Discrimination - If you’ve seen or experienced abuse, please report it to us here. Every report is taken seriously, and we are committed to responding appropriately.
Tony Sutton, the RFL Chief Executive, said: “Pride Month is a time to celebrate the diversity that strengthens our sport and our communities. Rugby League has long been a game for all and that includes standing with our LGBTQIA+ players, fans, and staff. The values of respect, inclusion, and unity are not just words, they are our committed values. We will continue to champion them every day, on and off the field.”
Andrea Murray, National Education Manager and England Women Team Manager, shares her insights in the video above on how we can all be better allies in our daily lives and across the game.
A number of clubs have recently dedicated a fixture in Pride Month - including Keighley Cougars' annual pride fixture against Rochdale Hornets last Sunday and Sheffield Eagles' home tie to Doncaster this upcoming weekend.
