The IRFU’s decision to ban trans women from playing women’s rugby has been condemned as “regressive”. 

In a statement yesterday the IRFU said the issue was a “sensitive and challenging area” but claimed the move was necessary because trans women have “advantages in strength, stamina and physique”. 

The move will mean two women will now no longer be able to play. 

Male transgender players will be allowed to continue playing on men’s teams “if they provide written consent and a risk assessment is carried out.”

LGBT upset

The Emerald Warriors, Dublin's LGBT rugby team, said the move further reduced “spaces for transgender people to exist safely, impacting rugby, sport and our society. This step does not follow the values of our game.” 

EWRFC oppose IRFU ban of transgender women’s participation in women’s rugby. Read our statement below. We call on allies to support us, as we support those in the women’s game who oppose this policy and in calling for further research in this area #RugbyForAll pic.twitter.com/4fEGo2Pd0k

— Emerald Warriors RFC (@ewrfc) August 10, 2022

“We’ve asked the IRFU to reverse this decision, to maintain the previous case by case policy that protects our game and ensures a route for participation,” Aaron Doyle, membership secretary of the Emerald Warriors, told Newstalk. 

“And we are urging them to engage with out LGBT community and particuarly our transgender community.” 

He added that he still hoped the club could influence the IRFU on the issue of diversity and inclusion: 

“We have worked with the IRFU for a number of years - specifically in the space of diversity and inclusion. 

“We want to continue to work with the IRFU on this topic and we hope to continually engage with them over the course of the next few months to put a plan in place and advocate for more research in this space.” 

Main image: A detailed view of training balls. Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE