All tag results for 'rugby'

British rubgy star Ben Cohen stopped by Washington DC as a part of his “Accpetance Tour” for his new anti-bullying organization.

He auctioned off a number of items at the event to help raise money for the cause. Proceeds went to HRC, the Trevor Project and other LGBT groups through Cohen’s foundation.

Ben is straight, but believes strongly in his mission.

On his website he wrote:

“In my view, rugby is a very inclusive sport. Everyone can get involved in one way or another, so I will be using it as a vehicle to drive my message of acceptance out to people from all walks of life, everywhere. There is a lot of work to be done. Attitudes need to change. Young people should not be bullied into taking their own lives. That is what is happening and it needs to stop.”

Love it!

[Image via AP Images.]

Tags: auction, dc, homophobia, rugby

What an inspiration!

World Champion rugby player, Ben Cohen, has announced he is retiring from the sport in order to focus on fighting homophobia and bullying through the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation.

While he thinks he could play another two years, he has instead turned down offers from clubs in England and France, explaining his decision in a statement reading:

“I have reached the top in my sport. It has been an incredible journey and has put me in the privileged position I am in today to be able to work on these exciting new projects through the StandUp Brand. As athletes, it is not enough just to have strong bodies. We must have strong characters and use our voices to support those who need and deserve it.”

It's so awesome to see stand up individuals standing up to ignorance!

Ben will kick off his foundation with the Acceptance Tour this week, which will stop by a series of U.S. cities where he will hold events with local rugby teams to raise awareness and money to STOP homophobia.

We're sure the Rugby world will miss Ben's performance on the field, but the rest of the world will certainly appreciate his noble efforts off of the field!

[Image via WENN.]

Tags: awareness, bully, champion, decision, england, foundation, homophobia, money, performance, rugby

Mickey Rourke is starting to look like a real rugby player!

He was spotted training in Central Park for his next role as a gay rugby player from England.

Mickey is also rumored to have plans to knock his two front teeth out to make it a more authentic portrayal of the character.

He was incredible the last time he played an athlete, we expect nothing less this time around!

[Image via Ramey Pix.]

Tags: gay, rugby, training

News of Kobe’s homophobic comments during the game a few nights ago has spread across the pond, and straight (but gay ally) British rugby champion Ben Cohen had a few choice words to say to the the Lakers star.

Said Cohen:

“It is disappointing to see this. As a professional athlete and rugby World Cup champion, I understand the heat and passion of competition at the highest levels. But we must all remember that strong bodies must be balanced with strong characters, and work toward that end. Our positions as role models demand it.”

Cohen will soon be in America on the “Acceptance Tour 2011,” which aims to raise awareness about LGBT equality and youth bullying.

Kobe should probably go to one of these seminars!

[Image via Ramey Pix.]

Tags: gay, lakers, rugby

Mickey Rourke is getting down and dirty with rugby!

He’s playing a character who plays rugby in his upcoming film, so he’s busy learning the ropes of one of the roughest games in the world.

It looks like he’s having fun!

[Image via Ramey Pix.]

Tags: film, rugby, sports

Yay!

English Rugby superstar Ben Cohen is going on tour to tackle homophobia , kicking off with several evenings in England called "Beer with Ben".

The personal appearances in Manchester and London will raise awareness for for the Ben Cohen Acceptance Tour, during which he will team with gay and gay-friendly rugby clubs in the U.K. and U.S. to headline a variety of events to raise money and awareness to stop homophobia.

The Acceptance Tour 2011 will encourage people to stand up against homphobia, bullying and standing up for equality, tolerance, and mutual respect. Funds raised will benefit the activites of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network.

Ben Cohen talked about his excitement for the upcoming tour in a statement, saying:

"I am looking forward to coming along to meet everyone. I have already met quite a few of the Village Spartan guys when I got involved with their successful bid for the Bingham Cup to be held next year. It should be a fun evening. I will be bringing along some auction items, updating everyone on the Acceptance Tour details and speaking about my rugby career. I have heard also that one of the clubs will be auctioning off their club kit as well. That's a bit different!"

Thank you SOOO much, Ben!

This means a lot for the entire LGBT community for such a successful sports star to stand up for equality and acceptance!

Check out the rugby tour when it stops by Atlanta, New York, Seattle, and Washington D.C. in May!

[Image via Getty Images.]

Tags: awareness, community, education, england, gay, lesbian, london, manchester, rugby

We knew that Mickey Rourke would portray gay British rugby player Gareth Thomas, who came out in 2009, in a film.

But the actor is going all out for the role! Mickey went to London and is now "talking to Thomas about the courage it took to live with the secret of his sexuality, then coming out while remaining a professional player."

Wowsa! Such dedication.

[Image via WENN.]

Tags: coming out, gareth thomas, rugby