As part of the United Rugby Championship’s Take On Tomorrow programme, and the wider ambition to promote inclusion in sport, the URC are delighted to announce the return of the Unity Round.
Round 2 (28/29 October) of the BKT United Rugby Championship dedicates a weekend of fixtures to promoting inclusivity in sport and supporting the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign in a commitment to ensuring our games are viewed as a welcome space for every person to enjoy.
The weekend will start with Ospreys playing host to Zebre Parma at Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday, October 28 and concluding with Ulster playing against the Vodacom Bulls in Belfast on Sunday, October 29.
Players, match officials and team management will be provided with rainbow coloured laces which they can use to lace-up their boots and trainers, they will also receive rainbow coloured strapping to further showcase their support for the campaign.
At match venues, URC branding will be updated incorporating the rainbow progress flag in addition to the rebranding of the assistant referee flags. Ahead of Unity Round, all URC social channels will have a bear the rainbow colours.
The BKT URC has been working in support of the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign and helping to underline the message that every person, including those in the LGBTQ+ community should feel welcome at our games and events.
Since the launch of Rainbow Laces in 2013, more than a million people have laced up to light up the visibility that there be no discrimination of people in society, which extends to the sporting fields.
The BKT URC fully believes that rugby is a game for all.
Join us and ensure that disrespectful language, attitudes and abuse have no place in our sport!
United. We. Rise.
#UnityRound