Women’s rugby union and rugby league block gender players
. Both codes have amended regulations to permit only players assigned female at birth to compete in women’s matches.
The Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League both issued statements on Friday confirming updated policies, leaning on science to back up the changes. The moves bring an end to review processes dating back two years.The RFU Council voted in the changes, but acknowledged the troubling background to the decision.
“We know that many will be disappointed by this decision, however it has been based on all the scientific evidence available.”The RFL board approved a new gender participation policy to take effect from August and to be reviewed in November 2024. “The RFL has concluded a wide-ranging consultation with interested parties, government, stakeholders, participants and individuals who continue to engage with us on this complex area,” read an RFL statement.
“We also greatly empathise with the personal journeys that individuals have experienced, in sport and in society, and we will continue to endeavour to work with all those actively involved to help us in developing our future policies, research and work in this area to ensure rugby league remains inclusive for all.”