The Rugby Football Union has suggested that transgender women not be allowed to play female rugby. Players whose sex was “designated male at birth” should not be permitted to compete in the women’s division, according to the regulating organization.
Following World Rugby’s position, the suggestions were made in response to the recent exclusion of “male-to-female (transwomen) players” from the women’s international rugby league.
On July 29, the RFU will vote on it.
If the recommendations are approved by the vote, the governing body will alter its stance before the 2022–23 domestic contact rugby season in England.
The RFU started a two-year assessment of its existing policy in the fall of 2020. This evaluation includes a game-wide poll with over 11,000 replies, the consideration of scientific data, and consultation with other governing organizations of sports.
According to the review, there are physical disparities between persons whose sex was classified as male or female at birth and those whose sex was assigned as female.
“This science provides the basis of the recommendation that the inclusion of trans people assigned male at birth in female contact rugby cannot be balanced against considerations of safety and fairness,” said a statement by the RFU.
“The recommendation is that until such time as new science is available, a precautionary approach is appropriate to ensure fair competition and safety of all competitors.”
The RFU stated that it has gotten in touch with players who identified as transgender women “to offer its support in continuing to urge them to continue in the sport.”
The world governing organization for swimming, FINA, agreed in June to exclude transgender athletes from taking part in elite women’s events if they had experienced any aspect of male puberty.
A few weeks later, British Triathlon established the first transgender athletes-only “open” division in a British sport.
The RFU has suggested that players whose gender was listed as female at birth be permitted to compete in the male division “provided they submit their written consent and a risk assessment is conducted.”
Source: bbc.com
