Trans Equality Together coalition condemns IRFU's decision to ban trans women from contact rugby

Numerous organisations, activists and commentators have condemned the newly updated "Transgender Policy" published by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) today.

In a statement released today, the IRFU announced that it "will amend its gender participation policy for rugby from the forthcoming season, based on medical and scientific evidence and in line with World Rugby guidance."

Under the new policy, "contact rugby for players in the female category is limited to those whose sex was recorded as female at birth."

The statement goes on to note that there "are two registered players affected, in Ireland, by this change and the IRFU has discussed the matter directly with them including options to remain active in the game, such as non-contact playing formats (tag/touch rugby), refereeing, coaching, and volunteering".

In regards to "the male category", the IRFU have stated that "players whose sex is recorded at birth as female may continue to play if they provide written consent and a risk assessment is carried out."

In response to today's updated IRFU policy, Trans Equality Together – a coalition led by  TENI, Belong To and LGBT Ireland – have released a statement of their own, noting that they have "condemned the IRFU's decision to ban trans women and girls over the age of 12 from playing contact rugby".

Trans Equality Together go on call on the IRFU "to immediately pause this damaging decision."

"This reactionary ban directly affects a very small number of trans players in Ireland, but it will have deep-reaching negative consequences across society," comments Moninne Griffith, CEO of Belong To and Co-Director of Trans Equality Together. "It is openly sending a message to trans people, their families and allies that they are not welcome in the rugby community. It is also setting a dangerous precedent for other Irish sporting organisations to follow their lead in banning trans players. We note the IRFU's values include respect, integrity, and inclusivity – this decision flies in the face of these values."

Read the full statement from Trans Equality Together below:

Statement from Trans Equality Together regarding IRFU's decision to ban trans women and girls from playing contact rugby. pic.twitter.com/vcCTf9NF8H

— TransEqualityTogether (@TransEqTogether) August 10, 2022