World Rugby could ban transgender women over safety concerns


World Rugby could ban transgender women over safety concerns

World Rugby is considering becoming the first international federation to ban transgender female athletes from competing over safety concerns.

The Guardian exclusively revealed that World Rugby’s working group into a specific policy had acknowledged that there would be “at least a 20-30% greater risk” of injury if a cisgender player were to be tackled by a transgender athlete, with the groups document also saying that transgender athletes still maintain “significant” physical advantages over cisgender athletes even after taking medication to lower their testosterone.

World Rugby’s current rules allow transgender players to play women’s rugby if they lower their testosterone levels for at least 12 months but the working group says that these are “not fit for purpose” and that transgender players should be banned from playing against their cisgender counterparts.

Leading scientists, legal and medical experts were involved in the working group, with representatives of both cisgender and transgender players invited to establish a policy which considers player welfare and inclusivity. Some of the group have welcomed the ban as the safety of players is being provided with the upmost consideration, whilst others believe that an outright ban is not the correct course of action.

The proposal states that transgender men can compete against cisgender males provided that they sign a consent form in which they accept that they will be at greater risk of injury. Unions will vote on the proposals when the World Rugby Council meets in November however, the draft document acknowledges that the working group will consider its position if the scientific evidence changes. 

You may also like

View All

Sport Resolutions launches refreshed strategy to support its sustainable growth and integrity in sport

Sport Resolutions is pleased to announce the launch of its refreshed company strategy, developed in response to continued growth within our organisation and the wider evolution of the sporting landscape

Read More

Prevention programmes believe ACL injuries in women’s football can be reduced by half

Prevention programmes believe training and technology could possibly resolve frequent torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) in women’s football by half or more

Read More

Sport Resolutions invites applications for the roles of Chair and Member(s) of the ITF Ethics Commission

Sport Resolutions is seeking independent individuals to serve as Chair and Member(s) of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Ethics Commission, playing a key role in upholding ethical standards and promoting good governance in international tennis

Read More

Newsletter Signup

Please enter your email address below: