Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has given €100,000 to sponsor an international gay rugby tournament, being held at Dublin University next June. Paddy Power's marketing director Ken Robertson said the event was highly appropriate for their brand, before adding this was not the type of company that does what people might expect a bookmaker to do.

"This might raise a few eyebrows when it comes to town, but we're not scared of that."

He also highlighted the fact that the gay and lesbian market represented an important sector of consumer society.

Richie Whyte, the Bingham Cup's tournament director, said he was delighted at the deal.

"Paddy Power has an innovative and risk taking approach to the market.

"Having an international brand throwing their weight behind it represents a huge development for the tournament particularly in terms of developing mainstream interest. We expect our partnership to enhance an already great tournament and help to make it the biggest and best tournament yet."