Organisers of the 2014 gay rugby union World Cup are challenging the other football codes to follow the Australian Rugby Union and commit to an anti-homophobia policy.

The ARU on Wednesday are announcing an inclusion policy aimed at stamping out homophobia and discrimination ahead of the Bingham Cup.

“Developing this inclusion policy is important as it demonstrates that rugby is a game where you feel included and accepted, no matter who you are,’ said ARU CEO Bill Pulver.

Hockey is the only other widely played sport in Australia to have previously implemented an anti-homophobia policy.

Bingham Cup organisers and supporters are starting a one-year challenge, urging the NRL, AFL and A-League to agree to develop similar policies to the ARU before their tournament commences in Sydney in late August 2014.

“All the major football codes and all sporting organisations in Australia have an opportunity to make a very meaningful change and create a sporting culture that is accepting and inclusive,” said Andrew Purchas, president of the 2014 Bingham Cup Organising Committee.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, is among supporters of the biennial tournament, describing it as ‘inspirational.”

The Bingham Cup, which will be held in Australia for the first time, is expected to attract 40 club teams from at least a dozen nations.

It will be one of the biggest international sporting tournaments staged in Australia next year.

Among the contestants in the event running from August 27 to 31 in Sydney, will be Sydney Convicts, the only three-time winners from the six previous tournaments.