In October, World Rugby issued an updated decision on trans players, effectively banning trans rugby players from international women’s rugby competitions. We at Great Bay Rugby and the Seacoast Team wish to affirm our support for trans players. USA Rugby has stood by trans players, stating that they will remain welcome at all levels of play in the United States. We at Seacoast are happy to see that decision and will also continue to welcome trans players. Women’s rugby has always been an explicitly inclusive space, and we welcome anyone who wishes to play rugby. World Rugby cited player safety as the grounds for their decision. This “safety” rational is a transphobic and sexist fallacy – trans players do not make play unsafe. Trans people are not a danger, and excluding athletes who wish to play rugby on that basis is discriminatory.
If World Rugby is interested in increasing the safety of women’s rugby there are real, concrete steps they could take, such as ensuring adequate training for players, training knowledgeable referees, and improving field conditions. Banning trans athletes from competition does nothing to improve safety for anyone, and we are glad to see that USA Rugby will continue to follow the previous policy. Trans women are women, and trans players are welcome on the rugby pitch.