Busselton-Dunsborough Dungbeetles Rugby Club host Perth Rams to promote inclusion in the sport

A Busselton rugby union club has hosted a match against an all-gay team from Perth in a bid to promote inclusivity and acceptance in the “game they play in heaven”. The Dunsborough-Busselton Dungbeetles hosted the Perth Rams LGBT inclusive rugby club for an exhibition match both clubs hope becomes an annual tradition. The Rams are a club focused on inclusion and sport in a prejudice-free environment and has a predominantly LGBTI+ membership. Dungbeetles players donned rainbow armbands for the match, which was played at Busselton’s Barnard Park on Saturday. Dungbeetles assistant coach Paul Hacquoil said the sport was becoming a more accepting environment and the players were keen to get on board. “There were great players out there and then players who maybe hadn’t played before,” he said. “It was a great event and a really good day for rugby as a whole, played in really good spirits by both sides.” “Rugby always has been very inclusive, so it is just ‘yep, cool’... just as it should be now. All the boys put their armbands on, were really happy to be doing it and the Perth Rams are a really good bunch of blokes.” The game was organised by club president Chris Greenland after some Dungbeetles players filled in for the Rams against the Bunbury Barbarians. Busselton business Shelter Brewing sponsored the event and the two teams played for the Shelter cup — which the Dungbeetles won. “We were a bit nervous before kick off because the Rams were well-drilled and seemed to train really well,” Hacquoil said.