Since its inception in 2002, the Bingham Cup has become the 'World Cup' of gay rugby; highlighting the very best of the inclusive (but still competitive) team sport internationally.
Held biannually, the tournament was named in honour of Mark Bingham, an openly gay athlete who played for the gay-inclusive rugby team San Francisco Fog RFC. Bingham died onboard United Airlines Flight 93 when it came down as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
At its biggest, the tournament boasted 800 registered participants from 29 teams in nine countries - and the Sydney Convicts happen to be among the best. As one of the original participating teams, the Convicts have won the cup in 2006, 2008, 2012, and 2014.
Having lost out to the Melbourne Chargers in 2016, the club admits that they're looking to bring the cup back to home turf.
"The tournament is being held in Amsterdam this year and will be attended by clubs from all over the world," a spokesman for the Sydney Convicts tells SBS Sexuality.
He adds: "The team is hoping to bring home some silver-wear."
"One of the annual events fundraising events held by the Sydney Convicts is our annual Rugger Bugger," the spokesman says. "It's an exciting show where we get to introduce our new players to the community. It gives us a chance to connect with our supporters."
Raising funds for the club to have a successful tournament in Amsterdam, the team is hard at work recreating Amsterdam's infamous red-light district for this year's event, to be held at Sydney nightclub ARQ.
"We will be putting on a mammoth four shows plus a special show at the after-party," the club's spokesman says.
"It will be one of the biggest strip teases to ever happen in Sydney, with upwards of 30 boys performing on stage as part of our big finale."
More than just a sports team, the Sydney Convicts were last year involved in the marriage equality survey, working alongside Australian Marriage Equality as proud supporters of the Yes campaign.
In light of recent controversy surrounding rugby player Israel Folau, the team also takes a firm stance against negative comments made by individuals in the wider rugby community and launched an Anti-Homophobia & Inclusion Framework for Australian Sports back in 2014; a framework document designed to combat discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people in sport.
As the kickoff date for the 2018 Bingham Cup nears, sport fans and members of the LGBTIQ+ community alike are being encouraged to show their support by coming along to the Rugger Bugger fundraiser, which is being billed as a "chance to let your hair down and wigs fly as we celebrate our community and look ahead to Bingham 2018".
"It will be an unforgettable evening," the club's spokesman tells us, adding: "successful events like this one make it possible for the Convicts keep playing and fighting for the community."
You can get tickets to the fundraising event here.
