On Transgender Day of Remembrance last year, England Rugby released a consultation document proposing a significant reduction in opportunities for Transgender Women to be included in the sport of rugby. They have now proposed guidelines, if implemented, will be a total and complete ban on transgender women at all levels of rugby, including the community game.
The change is based on studies of transgender people, who have athletic training that is not specific to rugby experience. The proposal does not appear to be in response to any rugby- specific research, and it does not appear to be linked to any reported serious injuries reported following the inclusion of transgender women in the women’s game in 2019.
“It’s very surprising to see the restrictive turn that this review of the guidelines has taken, especially with the lack of research that has been conducted,” said Karl Ainscough-Gates, Chair of IGR. “Rugby has always been a sporting role model for diversity and inclusion. We will be working with England Rugby to uphold those commitments and ensure that rugby remains a welcoming and open environment to transgender athletes.” he continued.
“To anyone transgender or non-binary doubting whether rugby is a sport for them after reading these reports, our message is clear: Come and play rugby with us! You will always be welcome in IGR.”
International Gay Rugby, therefore, calls on England Rugby to immediately repudiate and disavow the change in policy We also call on England Rugby to recommit themselves to the existing relationship and to move forward in good faith with International Gay Rugby as full partners.
For further comments, please contact
Darren ‘Morro’ Morrin (He/Him)
Head, Global Communications & Media Relations DARREN.MORRIN@IGRUGBY.ORG
