Our Club
Since inception, the Perth Rams have been more than just a rugby club. We are a movement built on inclusion, community and pride, both on and off the pitch.
As Western Australia’s first LGBTQIA+ rugby union club, our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment for players of all identities and skill levels to thrive. Whether we are competing locally in RugbyWA, hosting inclusive tournaments or representing Australia on the global stage, we do so with passion, purpose and a deep commitment to representation in sport.
Our achievements speak for themselves.
We are four-time winners of The Proud Awards Sports Club of the Year, recognised for our commitment to inclusive rugby. We’ve competed internationally at the Bingham Cup - the global championship for inclusive rugby - and brought that same spirit home to Perth by hosting the Purchas Cup, Australasia’s premier inclusive rugby tournament, welcoming teams from across our region
But our greatest accomplishment is the community we have built. This is a club where people show up, back each other and find a place to belong.
Our History
Since our establishment in 2018, the Perth Rams have proudly stood as Western Australia’s first and only LGBTQIA+ rugby union club.
Our mission - to empower Perth’s LGBTQIA+ community by providing safe and supportive opportunities to participate in competitive rugby - drives everything we do, both on and off the field. Through a focus on inclusivity, community spirit, and excellence, the Rams are building an environment where every player feels they belong and can grow in a sport they love.
What is Inclusive Rugby?
The Perth Rams are proud members of the International Gay Rugby (IGR) Association and Board - a global network of inclusive rugby clubs that primarily support LGBTQIA+ communities and allies. With over 100 clubs worldwide, including five in Australia, IGR fosters a safe and welcoming environment for all who want to play rugby, regardless of background or experience.
As part of this network, the Rams regularly compete in inclusive national and international tournaments - including the prestigious Purchas Cup and Bingham Cup. We’re not just playing for points - we’re building community, celebrating diversity, and hoping to take your support with us every step of the way.
Vision and Values in Action
Our vision is to create a community-focused rugby club that not only excels in sportsmanship but also embodies a culture of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration.
Grounded in our core values, the Rams are committed to building a space where every player feels valued, supported, and empowered.
WE RAM WITH EVERYTHING WE’VE GOT
With commitment, drive, and a ‘never say die’ attitude, we push ourselves and each other to new heights.
WE RAM KINDLY
Kindness and positivity lead our actions, fostering a team that’s built on mutual support and care.
WE RAM FOR EACH OTHER
Together, we are stronger. Collaboration, encouragement, and a commitment to safety make the Rams a unified community.
WE RAM WITH INTEGRITY
Accountability, sportsmanship, and responsibility are our foundation, guiding us on and off the field.
WE RAM RESPECTFULLY
Respect is at the heart of every interaction and defines our representation of the club.
WE RAM INCLUSIVELY
Embracing diversity and creating a sense of belonging, we’re part of something greater than ourselves.
As a team, we strive not only for sporting success but also for social impact - empowering people of all backgrounds to find acceptance, community, and opportunity through rugby.
The success we’ve experienced reflects the strength of this vision, bolstered by the dedication of our members and supporters.
Together, we’re building a legacy that extends beyond the field - championing the values that define us
In-Season Achievements and Community Engagement
Throughout our regular seasons in Perth, the Rams have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to both athletic excellence and community involvement.
Competing in RugbyWA’s Community Grade, we face other Perth clubs, including Associates, Bunbury Barbarians, and Mandurah Pirates.
Our participation in a structured, ranked competition under RugbyWA and Rugby Australia ensures high standards and adherence to national protocols.
Our dedication to player development is reflected in both individual milestones and team successes. We’ve empowered over a hundred players - many with no prior rugby experience - to step onto the field with confidence and pride, with three players reaching their 50th game milestone at the club.
This commitment to inclusivity is exemplified by our coaching team, led by Head Coach Jeb Maihi-Brown, a proud trans man actively shaping a more inclusive future for rugby.
Beyond the field, the Rams engage with our wider community by hosting events that champion inclusivity and support the LGBTQIA+ community. Our annual events are more than just fundraisers - they’re vibrant celebrations of diversity, where community spirit thrives and everyone is welcome.
Making Our Mark at the Purchas Cup
The Purchas Cup is Australasia’s premier LGBTQIA+ rugby tournament, celebrating unity and inclusivity across our region’s rugby community.
Participating in the Purchas Cup is central to our mission, providing our players an opportunity to experience first-hand the camaraderie, community spirit, and power of inclusive rugby alongside the region’s leading inclusive teams.
2019 (Brisbane, Australia): Our debut in the Purchas Cup brought the Rams into the national spotlight, where we competed against teams from Australia and New Zealand. This inaugural competition helped us establish our place within the LGBTQIA+ rugby community.
2023 (Perth, Australia): Hosting the Purchas Cup was a significant milestone, with over 150 players from renowned clubs including the NZ Falcons, Adelaide Sharks, Sydney Convicts, Melbourne Chargers, and Brisbane Hustlers coming together in Perth. The tournament showcased the Rams’ hospitality, our operational strengths, and our ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity in rugby.
The Purchas Cup serves as a powerful regional platform, bringing together diverse communities and attracting significant media attention.
Hosting the event in 2023 reinforced Perth’s growing reputation as a vibrant hub for inclusive sport, enhancing community engagement and raising awareness of the importance of diversity in rugby.
Showcasing Sportsmanship on the Global Stage: Bingham Cup
The Bingham Cup is widely regarded as the world championship of LGBTQIA+ rugby, bringing together teams from around the globe every two years to celebrate the sport’s inclusive spirit.
Named in honour of Mark Bingham, a gay rugby player and 9/11 hero, the tournament is a pinnacle event for teams like the Rams, who value courage, camaraderie, and inclusion.
Competing in the Bingham Cup has allowed us to showcase the Rams’ values on the global stage:
2022 (Ottawa, Canada): Our team made a remarkable impact, finishing second in the Challenger Bowl division. We were honoured to receive the Ben Cohen Award for Sportsmanship, recognising our team’s integrity, spirit, and resilience.
2024 (Rome, Italy): Advancing to Division 2, we made it to the Hoagland Shield Final, playing with determination and grit in an 8-7 match against the Baltimore Flamingoes. This accomplishment marked our highest finish in the Bingham Cup to date, demonstrating that our commitment to excellence knows no borders.
The Bingham Cup is not just a tournament; it’s a global celebration of inclusivity and athleticism. The 2024 event in Rome was the largest to date, featuring 97 teams from around the world and over 3,500 participants.
It is not only the largest LGBTQIA+ rugby competition globally, but also the largest amateur rugby tournament in the world.
This expansive participation underscores the tournament’s significant reach and the growing global interest in inclusive rugby.
A highlight of the 2024 Bingham Cup was the historic all-transgender match - the first of its kind in the tournament’s history. This groundbreaking game brought together over 40 athletes from eight countries and was witnessed by a crowd of approximately 4,000 spectators, underscoring the event’s deep commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
We watched with pride as our own Head Coach, Jeb Maihi-Brown, played a pivotal role in this landmark moment, serving as coach for the inaugural all-trans team.
Individual Achievements and Community Impact
Our success extends beyond team achievements. In 2021, Greg Jaeckel, Coach and Ally, was honoured as Inclusive Coach of the Year at the Pride in Sport Awards, recognising his dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
This award reflects our commitment to growth, belonging, and the empowerment of every member, regardless of skill level or background.
Achievements and Recognition at Proud Awards
The Proud Awards are a premier platform in Perth’s LGBTQIA+ community, celebrating organisations that embody inclusion and positive change. Year after year, the Rams have been recognised as Perth’s Sports Club of the Year (2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023), reinforcing our commitment to a welcoming environment for all.
These awards are a testament to our members, who bring their authentic selves to the club, making the Rams a true community pillar.
The Path Forward
The Perth Rams’ journey has been a collective effort, driven by our mission to bring inclusivity, strength, and unity to the rugby field. Every accolade, from our Proud Awards to our performances at the Bingham and Purchas Cups, reflects the hard work, spirit, and resilience of our players, coaches, and supporters.
As we continue to grow, the Rams remain committed to fostering a space where everyone, regardless of background, can experience the camaraderie and excitement that rugby brings.