The Coventry Corsairs have said that recent proposals from World Rugby to stop transgender women from playing against cis women are illogical and unjust.
The governing body, World Rugby, is reportedly considering banning trans-women playing for women’s teams because they have a “significant” physical advantage.
The report insisted that cis-women face a greater risk of injury when they play against trans women because of their differences in testosterone levels.
Transgender Corsairs player, Sam Pidgeon said: “When you consider rugby as a whole, all of the players are different shapes and sizes. You could even be up against someone who is 200 pounds of muscle and that’s allowed.
When you play rugby, there will be moments when it’s dangerous and you accept that risk, so the proposed ban does not make sense when you just consider the nature of rugby.”
The club has said that although World Rugby has asked for feedback from transgender rugby players, they are not listening to members of the trans community.
Transgender Corsairs player, Clarke said: “A ban isn’t necessary – it just seems completely disproportionate to the advice that has been given. It’s so pertinent that trans voices listened to in conversations where the impacts are on them. Trans women’s perspectives just haven’t been appreciated.”
The Corsairs are also concerned that this will negatively impact the club and discourage transgender women from playing for their club.
Clarke pointed out that: “A whole subgroup of people being banned and underrepresented in sport is going to have an impact. It means that an inclusive club like ours, suddenly becomes less inclusive and it’s not even our choice.”
Ben Owen, Chairman of International Gay Rugby, said: “It is very surprising to see the restrictive turn that this review of the guidelines has taken, especially with the lack of research being conducted.”
They want to reassure any non-binary or transgender players that the door is always open in IGR clubs.
CUTTLEFISH 