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The sport of Rugby League played its part tackling homophobia last weekend when a demonstration Tag match between a Manchester gay team and Oldham reserves was staged at Boundary Park.

The game between the Village Spartans RFC - who normally play the Union code - and the Oldham club’s second string was a curtain raiser to The Co-operative National League Two fixture between Oldham and Blackpool.

The home team’s won by six tries to two and Spartans players threw miniature rugby balls into the crowd at half time which carried the ‘Kick Homophobia out of Oldham’ logo.

The event was organised by the Oldham club in partnership with the RFL.

The RFL’s Equality and Diversity Manager Sarah Williams commented: “The players and management at Oldham RLFC are to be congratulated for being the first Rugby League club to raise awareness of the Lesbian Gay and Bisexual community and the importance of challenging homophobia and promoting inclusion via this high profile event.

“We thank them for their pro-active work in this area."

The event was also endorsed by former Great Britain and Ireland international Barrie McDermott who was born and lives in the Oldham area who said, “Discrimination in any form has no place in modern society.

“The beauty of our game is that it is all about inclusion rather than exclusion.”

Mark Swanwick, of Kick Homophobia out of Oldham and the Worshipful, the mayor Counsellor Ann Wingate also attended the event.

The Oldham club have also committed to showcasing Rugby League for the first time at the Pride Games in Manchester in September 2008.

Meanwhile, as part of its commitment to challenge prejudice in all forms and to encourage inclusion, the RFL is asking all Rugby League supporters to recognise and support the International Day against homophobia (May17 ).

International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) exists to spearhead action to end such discrimination and provide a platform for individuals to demand improvements for the quality of life for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people both overseas and here in the UK.

The day is a chance to raise awareness of homophobic issues that are negatively impacting on people’s lives and to showcase success stories and events where people are making positive changes.

As a national sport open to all sections of society, Rugby League is playing an active role in challenging homophobia and to include the LGBT community.

A demonstration Tag Rugby League match between a Manchester gay team and Oldham reserves was recently staged and Pride Sports and Stonewall have also offered their support to the sport.

Work will be done to raise the profile of Rugby League in the LGBT community, and increase participation.

Rugby League will also be showcased for the first time at the Pride Games in Manchester later this year.

The RFL has also launched a LGBT Supporters and Their Friends Association.