The Brisbane Hustlers, a gay and inclusive rugby club from Wavell Heights, sent a powerful message to the rugby world by conquering their fiercest rivals for the first time to win Oceania’s prestigious Purchas Cup in Auckland, positioning them as serious contenders ahead of hosting a global tournament.
A Trophy and a Statement
The club secured the 2025 Purchas Cup in a gripping final against the Sydney Convicts on a wet afternoon at Western Springs Stadium. The tense match ended with a 7−5 scoreline in favour of the Brisbane side.
This victory was a milestone for the Hustlers, marking not only their first win under the tournament’s new two-division format but also the first time in their history they have defeated the formidable Sydney club. According to team president Steve Bevan, they managed to beat their long-time rivals twice during the competition.
The Heart of a Champion
The win was the result of a long and difficult journey for the club. Mr. Bevan, who has been with the Hustlers for six years, expressed that he was almost speechless with emotion following the match. He noted the team went into the final carrying several injuries but praised the squad’s immense resilience. He said that not a single player gave up during the entire game, especially in the final ten minutes when they successfully defended their line from a relentless attack.
Celebrating a United Community
The Purchas Cup, Oceania’s premier gay and inclusive rugby tournament, brought together six clubs and eight teams in a celebration of the sport. While the Hustlers claimed the top prize, other clubs also had their moments of success. The Sydney Convicts walked away with the second-division Purchas Shield after a convincing 14−0 win against a determined Perth Rams team.
The Rams’ coach, Jeb, conveyed immense pride and gratitude for his players’ spirit. Though the Melbourne Chargers did not secure a trophy, their captain, Mac Gosewisch, received the personal honour of being named the Best and Fairest Player of the Tournament.
The World is Coming to Brisbane
This victory comes at a crucial time for the Hustlers. The club, which holds its home games at Norths Rugby Club on Shaw Road, is preparing to host the 2026 Bingham Cup, the world’s foremost inclusive rugby tournament. Mr. Bevan revealed that he had told his team they would win the Purchas Cup to show international teams what they will be up against next year in Brisbane. With this historic win, they have made that goal a reality and are eagerly preparing to welcome the world.
Published Date 17-September-2025
