The Sarah Lynch Tournament 2025 is a landmark celebration of inclusive rugby on August 16

Sarsfields Rugby has announced the 2025 Sarah Lynch Tournament will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Tom Clifford Park

Sarsfields Rugby has announced the 2025 Sarah Lynch Tournament will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Tom Clifford Park, Young Munster RFC, Limerick for a day of Inclusive Rugby – Tag & Full Contact

Sarsfields Rugby is proud to announce The Lynch Cup 2025, taking place on Saturday, August 16 at Tom Clifford Park, Limerick. This historic tournament is more than a day of rugby—it is a tribute to the life and legacy of our beloved teammate, Sarah Lynch, who we sadly lost in December 2023.

This tournament is held in Sarah’s honour, celebrating her impact both on and off the pitch. Her commitment to creating a space where everyone, regardless of identity or background, felt welcome and empowered continues to guide our mission.

“The Lynch Cup is an absolute privilege for us to host. Sarah was such an important part of everyone’s life in Sarsfields, and we are delighted to be able to commemorate her in this way”, said Gearóid Folan, President of Sarsfields Rugby. “Limerick is often called the home of rugby, so it’s only right that a tournament like this is held in Limerick, a city so ingrained in rugby culture and history.”

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“We are also delighted with all the support provided to us by our sponsors and partners; the IRFU, SPIN Southwest and Young Munster RFC. Their backing makes this event possible, and we are truly grateful”.

The tournament will bring together inclusive rugby teams from across Ireland, creating a vibrant, competitive, and joyful space that reflects the diversity of our sport. While the event is aimed at inclusive teams, it is open to all clubs that support and embrace inclusion, making it a truly unifying occasion.

Off the field, the event will also raise vital funds for GOSHH (Gender Orientation Sexual Health HIV), helping to continue Sarah’s legacy of inclusion, education, and support.

“We are delighted to be associated with this inaugural event in memory of Sarah Lynch. We have much in common with Sarsfield Rugby. GOSHH have provided a safe and supportive environment for members of the LGBTQI+ community in the Midwest for 35 years now. We’re only a short walk from Tom Clifford Park, where the event is being hosted” – Verena Tarpey, CEO, GOSHH

This marks the first event of its kind in Ireland (an all-Ireland tag and contact tournament for LGBTQI+-inclusive rugby teams), a significant moment for both rugby and the community. Sarsfields Rugby, founded in July 2022, has grown from a handful of players into a team of more than 75 members. As the Midwest’s first LGBTQI+ inclusive rugby initiative, Sarsfields has become more than just a rugby team – it is a safe, affirming space for queer people and allies across the region.

This event is made possible with the support of our Title Sponsor, the IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union), whose backing marks a powerful endorsement of inclusive rugby in Ireland.

“The IRFU is thrilled to support the Lynch Cup for the first time”, said David McKay, IRFU Disability & Inclusion Officer. “This tournament is a celebration of inclusivity, pride and community – values that are central to our game. It’s fantastic to see clubs from across the provinces coming together to support LGBTQI+ inclusion in rugby, and we’re proud to stand alongside them in making the sport welcoming for everyone.”