The IRFU have amended their gender participation policy for the upcoming season to prevent trans women from playing women's contact rugby.
The changes essentially mean that only those whose sex at birth was recorded as female, will be permitted to play contact rugby in the female category.
It is quite a substantial change in direction from the organisation. The IRFU say that there are two registered players in Ireland affected by the ruling.
It is the same policy as the RFU voted on last week, and while it bans trans women from competing in the female category, trans men (or those whose sex recorded at birth was female) will be allowed play in the men's category, if written consent is provided and a risk assessment carried out.
In a statement on their website, the IRFU have explained their reasons for the policy change.
Recent peer reviewed research provides evidence that there are physical differences between those people whose sex was assigned as male and those as female at birth, and advantages in strength, stamina and physique brought about by male puberty are significant and retained even after testosterone suppression."
They have also stated that they are, "committed to the ongoing review of the policy as new evidence, research and insights become available."
The decision has been met with considerable backlash.
Shame on @IrishRugby for damaging the inclusive and welcoming spirit of rugby on this island.
We do not support this. The data does not support this.
A whole policy to exclude two players, because transphobic voices have shouted loudly. Let's shout louder. https://t.co/rs2q3ed8Ya— IrishWomensRugbySupportersClub (@IrishWomens) August 10, 2022
Another sad and regressive day for trans people as more of our rights are rolled back, after @IrishRugby announce transwomen will be banned from partcipating in rugby.
I’d ask the IRFU to immediately reconsider this decision. They have started that rugby should be open to all..— Saoirse Mackin (@SaoirseMackin) August 10, 2022
READ MORE: Rugby Clubs Come Out In Support Of Trans Women After RFU Ruling
Spirit of Rugby Manager, Anne Marie Hughes, who has worked on the development of the policy, also released a statement on the matter that said "the IRFU is committed to inclusivity". She said:
“We will continue to work to be as inclusive as we can be and to explore areas such as tag and touch rugby, which we know some of our players are already considering, refereeing, volunteering, and coaching.
“We continue to stand with the LGBT+ community, and while we accept that today some may feel disappointed in this decision, we want to again underline to them – there is a place for everyone in rugby, and we can all work together.”
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