World Rugby, the global union for the sport, published a new series of guidelines last month, preventing transgender women competing at the highest levels of the game on the basis it is a ‘safety risk’ to other players.
Araba Chintoh
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Dr Araba Chintoh, who headed the review, said:
We set out to determine whether it would be possible to maintain inclusion in contact rugby based on the available research and evidence and rugby’s unique context of combining strength, power, speed and endurance in a physical, collision environment. As we progressed through a comprehensive and inclusive review, it became clear there are compelling evidenced safety considerations which we simply cannot ignore.
According to the BBC, World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont insisted the sport is still inclusive, and pointed out trans men are still allowed to play contact rugby.
Nancy Kelley
Nancy Kelley, chief executive of LGBTQ+ equality organisation Stonewall, said:
We are deeply disappointed by World Rugby’s decision to move ahead with their proposal to stop most trans women from playing in competitions they govern.
The proposals were based on hypothetical data modelling that has little relevance to the questions of fairness and safety in rugby that the policy review sought to address. Important policies like this should be based on robust, relevant evidence and work closely with trans people playing in the sport.
Individual rugby unions across the world determine their own policies on trans inclusion at a domestic level, and in recent weeks the Canadian, US and Australian Rugby Unions have come out strongly in support of trans inclusion.
These rugby authorities understand that inclusion should be at the heart of the sport they love, and inclusion is vital to sustain rugby. Younger generations want to take part in sports where everyone is welcome. They have a choice.
While the World Rugby guidelines affect much international competition, it’s vital that rugby unions across the world follow the lead of Australia, Canada and the US and ensure that all trans people in the rugby community are supported and welcome taking part in the game they love.
There is still a lot to learn about the impact of transition on athletic ability, but this does not mean that trans people are not already playing rugby or any other sport safely and fairly. As the world continues to evolve, it is vital that policies expand rather than restrict any sport’s potential to grow and benefit all our communities.
We stand in solidarity with trans people across the world who’ll be disappointed by this news. We will do everything we can to make sport everyone’s game.
Rugby Football Union (RFU), the English rugby union, has since revealed it have no plans follow the ruling. Speaking to The Guardian, they said:
The RFU has not currently plan to adopt World Rugby transgender guidelines as it believes further scientific evidence is required alongside detailed consideration of less restrictive measures in relation to the eligibility of transgender players.
We will assess the current evidence alongside safety concerns that have been raised. The RFU will also undertake further consultation with players in the women’s game to understand their views. The RFU is committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion as well as safety and fairness across all levels of the game.
