JK trans storm sees Quidditch change name

A REAL-LIFE version of fictional Harry Potter game quidditch has been rebranded amid the trans row around JK Rowling.

The International Quidditch Association (IQA) announced on Tuesday it was changing the name to ‘quadball’ to distance itself from the author, who has been criticised by trans activists for her views on gender.

In December, the sport’s major governing bodies, US Quidditch and Major League Quidditch, said they were considering a name change over concerns about sponsors and broadcasters.

The sporting body also hopes to distance itself from Warner Bros, the studio that owns the copyright to Harry Potter.

Rowling’s quidditch was adapted by Harry Potter fans in America in 2005. The game involves two teams of up to 21 players who run with a broomstick between their legs.