IRFU new policy prohibits trans women from playing in female contact leagues

IRFU new policy prohibits trans women from playing in female contact leagues

The IRFU have decided to amend their gender participation policy to prevent trans women from participating in women’s contact rugby. 

 

In essence, only individuals who had their sex determined as female at birth will be allowed to play and the reasons for this decision are based on medical and scientific evidence. In light of this, the IRFU released the following statement: 

 

“Recent peer reviewed research provides evidence that there are physical differences between those people whose sex was assigned as male and those as female at birth, and advantages in strength, stamina and physique brought about by male puberty are significant and retained even after testosterone suppression. 


 

“We will continue to work to be as inclusive as we can be and to explore areas such as tag and touch rugby, which we know some of our players are already considering, refereeing, volunteering, and coaching. 


 

“We continue to stand with the LGBT+ community, and while we accept that today some may feel disappointed in this decision, we want to again underline to them – there is a place for everyone in rugby, and we can all work together.” 

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