Smithers x SpringOut: Celebrating Diversity in Rugby and Beyond

Growing up in regional and outback New South Wales, rugby league was more than just a sport—it was a way of life. The tough, gritty world of ‘bush footy’ is defined by raw physicality, hyper-masculine culture, and fierce camaraderie. As a kid playing in these leagues, I felt the rush that comes with being part of something bigger, especially as an underage schoolboy playing first grade with blokes twice my size and age. I had talent. I was good at the game. And I was fortunate enough to be selected as part of the Far West Academy of Sport, where my experience and exposure continued to build, going head-to-head against junior teams like the Parramatta Eels and Newcastle Knights. But as I got older and moved away from the country to the city, I felt a growing disconnect—one I couldn’t shake.

I wasn’t just grappling with the demands of the game anymore; I was grappling with myself. My sexuality became a quiet storm in the back of my mind, subtly but powerfully pushing me to step away from the sport. It wasn’t that rugby league had done anything wrong; it was just an environment where I couldn’t fully see or be myself. So, I quit. For a long time, I thought that was the easier choice.

Finding My Way Back Through Inclusive Rugby

But that’s the thing about love—especially love for something like sport. It finds its way back to you. Just before I moved to Sydney, I saw a documentary on a Qantas flight about the Sydney Convicts, Australia's first gay and inclusive rugby team. I was immediately hooked, and that was when I truly found my place. The game I thought I’d left behind welcomed me back, but this time it was on different terms and a different code (rugby league to rugby union). It was football without the toxicity, without the hyper-masculinity, without the weight of pretending to be someone else. I had my sport, my team, and I had my identity—all in one.

From Bush Footy to the Global Stage

That feeling of belonging has stayed with me ever since. It’s why I’m so proud that Smithers, my swimwear brand, is sponsoring the Diversity in Rugby event as part of Canberra’s SpringOut Festival 2024. This festival is more than just a celebration of pride; it’s a month-long, city-wide commitment to inclusion, and it speaks directly to the power of community.

On my journey back to rugby, one of the most profound experiences was competing in the Bingham Cup, often called the Gay Rugby World Cup. In 2018, the tournament was held in the Netherlands, and it was a full-circle moment for me. I wasn’t just playing rugby again—I was competing at the highest level, alongside people from all over the world who shared the same struggles and triumphs. It was a powerful reminder of how sport can unite us in ways beyond the scoreboard. The sense of community, sportsmanship, and sheer joy at the Bingham Cup was a life-changing experience, and it further solidified my belief that there’s a place for everyone in rugby, no matter their background or identity.

As a former sports journalist covering the Rio Olympics, I saw firsthand how sports can be a stage for broader societal change. In 2016, Matilda's striker, Michelle Heyman was the only openly gay Australian athlete competing. Fast forward to the Paris 2024 Olympics, and we’ve seen nearly 200 openly LGBTQ+ athletes take the world stage. That’s progress, but we still have a long way to go. Events like the ACT Vet's "Diversity in Rugby" help to build on that momentum.

Smithers: More Than a Swimwear Brand

At Smithers, we live by the motto "raise your level," and this goes beyond fashion. It’s a mindset. Whether it’s designing high-quality men’s swimwear or sponsoring events that push for greater inclusivity, we’re committed to creating a space where everyone feels they belong. This partnership with SpringOut reflects our belief that sport can be a powerful force for good.

Our involvement in the Diversity in Rugby event is about more than just sponsorship. It’s about using our platform to champion diversity and make a tangible impact. I hope that through Smithers, people see that we’re a brand driven by values, by purpose, and by a deep-rooted commitment to supporting the communities we care about.

As I reflect on my own journey—from the bindy eye fields of bush footy to the Sydney Convicts and now as the founder of Smithers—I can’t help but feel an immense sense of accomplishment. Sport gave me so much, and now I have the chance to give back, to support the next generation, and to stand up for inclusion in a way that’s authentic to who I am.

I hope that in some small way, Smithers’ involvement in the broader SpringOut Festival helps others feel as welcome and accepted as I did when I found my team. After all, that’s what diversity is all about—making sure that everyone, no matter where they come from, can find a place to call home.