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International law firm Bird & Bird Australia has forged a new partnership with Australia’s first gay and inclusive rugby union club ahead of the 2026 season.
Bird & Bird Australia has unveiled a major partnership with the Sydney Convicts Rugby Club for the 2026 season, aligning with Australia’s first gay and inclusive rugby union club.
In a statement, the international law firm said the move reinforces its commitment to “inclusion, community engagement and the power of sport to drive positive change”.
The deal will see Bird & Bird Australia step in as a major partner for the 2026 season, providing support across the club’s men’s, women’s and development programs.
Alongside this, the partnership will see the firm provide visible support through branding, match-day presence, and a range of community engagement initiatives throughout the year.
The Sydney Convicts Rugby Club is more than just a grassroots club, also competing internationally – most notably in the Bingham Cup, the world’s largest amateur rugby tournament promoting inclusion, which will be held in Brisbane this year.
Speaking on this decision, Rich Hawkins, co-managing partner of Bird & Bird Australia and head of the Australian sports law team, shared how the club reflects the firm’s core values and that the partnership supports meaningful change in Australian sport, with the firm proud to back its impact on and off the field.
“The Sydney Convicts represent everything we value in sport and in our wider community – inclusion, respect, teamwork and excellence,” Hawkins stated.
“We’re proud to partner with a club that continues to lead meaningful change, not just on the field, but across Australian sport more broadly.”
James Moorey, president of the Sydney Convicts, expressed that the partnership with Bird & Bird is deeply meaningful, helping the club grow the game inclusively, support players across all teams, and expand its impact both locally and on the international stage.
“Having Bird & Bird Australia come on board as Major Partner is incredibly meaningful for our club,” Moorey noted.
“Their support enables us to continue growing the game in an inclusive way, support our players across all teams, and strengthen our impact both locally and internationally – including as we prepare to compete at the Bingham Cup in Brisbane in 2026.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bird & Bird for the season ahead.”
