![]() | A major contributor to this article appears to have a
close connection with its subject. (September 2021) |
![]() | |
Union | Gloucestershire RFU |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | Bisons |
Founded | 2005 |
Location | Cribbs Causeway, South Gloucestershire, England |
Ground(s) | Clifton RFC |
Chairman | Jamie White |
Coach(es) | Sasha Acheson |
Captain(s) | Daryn McCombe |
League(s) | UKIGRC |
Official website | |
www |
Bristol Bisons RFC is an inclusive English rugby union club based in Bristol. Founded in 2005 as the south west’s first inclusive rugby team, the Bisons have welcomed players (and supporters) of all abilities, backgrounds and sexualities from Bristol, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas since that time.
The Bristol Bisons RFC (Bisons) were established in 2005, [1] following a visit to the Bingham Cup gay rugby tournament in the summer of 2004 in London. [2] The founders felt that it would be good to spread the messages of an inclusive rugby team in the south west.
Training for the newly formed club started early in 2005 with its first match seeing the Bisons vs. a Barbarians side of players from Manchester and Bristol. By 2009, following a quiet spell, it was decided to relaunch the club with new kit and promotional material.
The club has had an active presence at Bristol Pride since 2010 and in July 2011, the team were chosen as hosts for the Union Cup 2013 European Gay rugby tournament, welcoming over 20 clubs to Bristol. [3]
Since 2016, the Bisons have been hosted by and train every Monday and Thursday between 7-9pm at Clifton RFC.
In 2023, after finishing top of the UK IGR Southern Development League, the Bisons were named IGR Southern Development League Champions, going on to become IGR UK Development League Champions.
In 2024, the Bisons finished top of the UK IGR South-West League, and were also named winners of the UK Championship Plate.
As of 2024, the club now has over 95 active players and supporters, with current sponsorship and support from First Bus in the West of England, Event Exchange, Bristol Bear Bar,, Top to Toe Physiotherapy, Valesco Fitness, Fire & Evacuation Services, Hawkland Construction, Bristol Beer Factory [1], and the Queenshilling nightclub.
The following is a list of tournaments held by or attended by the team.