Transgender athletes are no longer allowed to compete in women’s English rugby union and rugby league competitions.
This comes from a statement released on Friday by England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU), the national governing body for the 15-player rugby game. The officials of both sports changed the rules so that only female-born players can participate in the women’s games.
The measures were taken for security reasons, and the decision was based on scientific evidence. The statement said there are “physical differences between male players and female players”. Also, “the benefits associated with testosterone and male puberty in terms of strength, endurance and physique are significant.”
The RFU Council approved the policy, which will take effect at the start of next season, by a slim majority of 33 votes in favour, 26 against and two abstentions. In June, the International Rugby League (IRL) decided to ban transgender athletes from international women’s competitions until further notice. This also applies to the World Cup in England in November.
