Controversy at The Olympics: How Rugby's Izzy Cerullo Accidentally Became a LGBTQ Advocate | Ep 10
When Brazilian rugby star Izzy Cerullo took the field at the 2016 Olympics, she had no idea she was about to become a queer icon. But after her then-girlfriend proposed on live television-mid-Games, mid-glory-Cerullo found herself at the center of a global moment that said everything about visibility, identity, and the politics of being queer on the world stage.In Episode 10 of The Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna unravel how an impromptu proposal turned into a cultural flashpoint. Was it empowerment? Exploitation? Or just love in a very public place?We get into the messy, beautiful truth: how queer athletes often become symbols whether they like it or not, how the media spins a moment into a movement, and why Cerullo’s story still hits hard nearly a decade later.Expect candid talk about LGBTQ representation in sports, the unintentional politics of being visible, and what happens when your private life becomes Olympic history.New episodes drop weekly. This one? You won’t want to miss.
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Trans Athletes Come Together for Record Breaking Rugby Match in Boston
Episode 9 of the Gay Rugby Podcast drops straight into the action at NORAM Cup 2025 in Boston, where something unprecedented unfolded on the pitch: the third-ever all-trans rugby match. In a tournament known for celebrating inclusive sport, this year’s moment felt bigger-more urgent, more electric. Trans athletes came together from across North America, uniting in a game that wasn’t just about rugby, but about identity, visibility, and taking space in a world that hasn’t always made room.At the heart of the match was Val Pizzo, president of Baltimore Flamingos RFC and the founder of the All Trans Match. Val joins us in this episode to talk about how a radical idea—bringing together trans and nonbinary rugby players for one unified match-turned into a full-blown movement. From the first match in Charlotte in 2023 to Boston’s record-breaking showdown, the Trans Match has become a symbol of resistance and joy, one scrum at a time.Shot on location at the NORAM Cup, the largest LGBTQ and inclusive rugby tournament in North America, the episode captures what it means when community and sport collide. We go behind the scenes with players, reflect on the evolution of trans-inclusive rugby, and dig into what makes these moments matter—not just to rugby fans, but to anyone who believes sport should belong to everyone.The Gay Rugby Podcast is more than banter and breakdowns-it’s where the lines between grassroots rugby, queer culture, and collective resistance get blurred. In this episode, you’ll hear how International Gay Rugby (IGR) continues to back this growing wave of trans visibility in sports, and how clubs like the Baltimore Flamingos are building platforms that are reshaping what inclusive sport looks like.This isn’t just a game. It’s the start of something bigger.
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North America's Biggest Rugby Tournament Is... Gay?! 🏉🌈 | Ep 8
North American rugby is changing-and the biggest tournament on the continent is leading the charge. In this episode of the Gay Rugby Podcast, Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna sit down with Quinton Leduc for an in-depth interview about NORAM 2025, the next major event in North America rugby. Hosted in Boston by the Boston Ironsides, NORAM Cup 2025 is more than just a rugby tournament. It’s a celebration of LGBTQ+ rugby, inclusive sports, and the queer athletes who are redefining what gay sports can look like.The NORAM Cup rugby event brings together teams from across the U.S. and Canada in one of the largest gatherings of its kind. With divisions for Men’s+, Women’s+, and a dedicated trans rugby match, NORAM Boston isn’t shying away from the tough questions-like “can trans people play rugby?” and “should trans women play rugby?” The answer, here, is a loud yes.In our conversation with Quinton Leduc-Vice Chair of International Gay Rugby (IGR) and VP of the Boston Ironsides-we explore what makes this Rugby tournament 2025 so unique. From his work with the IGR Clubhouse community to his vision for inclusive rugby in North America, Quinton offers rare insight into how this movement is being built from the ground up.We also look ahead to The Bingham Cup 2026, the global championship for IGR clubs and arguably the Super Bowl of gay rugby. Whether you’re deep into rugby in USA or just curious about rugby in America and how inclusive it's become, this episode sheds light on how North American rugby is evolving-and who’s driving that change.If you're into inclusive sports, want to hear about the future of gay rugby, or just love hearing passionate people talk about the community they've built through competition, this one’s for you.
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The Rugby Guy Podcast at LA Sevens | Gay Rugby Podcast | Ep 7
We brought our unapologetically gay rugby podcast to the madness of LA Sevens rugby, one of the biggest rugby events in Los Angeles, and sat down with The Rugby Guy to unpack what’s really going on in the sport. If you’ve been searching for an inclusive rugby podcast that covers more than just scores and stats, you’re in the right place.In this episode, we talk about what it means to show up queer in a space that hasn’t always welcomed us, while soaking in the full-throttle energy of sevens rugby highlights and crowd chaos. The Rugby Guy, known for his sharp takes and growing influence in the rugby podcast interview scene, joins us for a no-BS conversation on representation, identity, and why this game still matters.This episode is a window into the queer rugby community, where LGBTQ+ rugby stories aren’t a side note-they’re the main feature. From grassroots clubs to international sevens, we get into the culture, the conflict, and the joy that keeps players and fans-coming back.Whether you're a lifer or new to the game, these are the rugby fan perspectives that make the sport feel human. We’re not here to be polite-we’re here to tell the truth.New episodes drop weekly. Come for the rugby, stay for the reckoning.
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LA Sevens Pride 2025 Recap | The Gay Rugby Podcast | Ep 6
The 2025 edition of LA Sevens Pride delivered two days of high-energy international rugby and an electric celebration of inclusivity at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles. In this episode, The Gay Rugby Podcast recaps all the major moments from the tournament, on and off the pitch.South Africa’s men’s team took home the title with a 19-5 win over Spain in a breakout performance that saw the Spanish side reach their first-ever final on the World SVNS circuit. On the women’s side, New Zealand’s Black Ferns claimed the top spot with a dominant 29-14 victory over Australia, led by a hat-trick from Michaela Blyde. The USA women’s team earned a well-deserved bronze, further proving their growing strength in the global sevens scene.We also explore the atmosphere around LA Sevens Pride, including on-the-ground fan experiences, post-match interviews, and how the event continues to evolve as one of the most inclusive and LGBTQ+-friendly rugby events on the calendar. This isn’t just a recap, it’s a reflection on where the sport is headed, and why LA Sevens has become a key stop for fans of both elite rugby and inclusive community celebration.Whether you were in the stands or following from afar, this episode brings you back to the sun, the speed, and the spirit of LA Sevens 2025.
Your go-to source for the international LGBTQ+ rugby community. Hosted by Jack Higgins and Ozzie Luna of Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby, this podcast explores the world of inclusive sports, rugby news, and the stories behind players making waves in the sport.
Born from the success of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby team's social media, The Gay Rugby Podcast celebrates the intersection of rugby and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. From The Bingham Cup to international gay rugby events, Jack and Ozzie share insights, interviews, and updates from the global rugby scene.
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