Trans women escape ban on playing rugby

RUGBY chiefs have rejected calls for a ban on transgender women playing the sport.

The decision comes despite fears for the safety of biological females taking on trans opponents who are likely to be bigger and stronger.

The Rugby Football Union, which is responsible for the elite and grassroots game in England, said ‘further scientific evidence is required’ for a ban to be imposed.

World Rugby, the global governing body, ruled last week that transgender women could no longer play at international level because the risk of significant injury was ‘too great’.

A spokesman for the RFU said: ‘The RFU does not currently plan to adopt World Rugby transgender guidelines as it believes further scientific evidence is required alongside detailed consideration of less restrictive measures in relation to the eligibility of transgender players.

‘We will assess the current evidence alongside safety concerns that have been raised. The RFU will also undertake further consultation with players in the women’s game to understand their views.

‘ The RFU is committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion as well as safety and fairness across all levels of the game.’

Transgender women’s participation has been permitted in England if their concentration of testosterone is sufficiently low.

World Rugby held an eightmonth scientific review that found inclusivity could not be balanced with safety and fairness issues that ‘could not be ignored’.

It said this was because biological males were ‘stronger by 25 per cent to 50 per cent, are 30 per cent more powerful, 40 per cent heavier, and about 15 per cent faster than biological females’.

Dr Nicola Williams of the Fair Play for Women campaign group, told The Guardian: ‘Everyone knows that in a rough sport like rugby it is dangerous for males to play against females.

‘And if it’s not safe, it can never be fair either. The science is clear. Growing up male will give transgender athletes a lifelong edge that simply cannot be fully reversed by a period of testosterone suppression.

‘World Rugby has put the safety of its professional female players first. If the RFU don’t do the same then thousands of amateur players will be left asking why they don’t deserve the same protections.’