The Irish Rugby Union Federation has decided to adhere to the latest guidelines from World Rugby. They announced on Wednesday that transgender players will not be allowed to compete in the upcoming season. Only players registered as female at birth can play matches. Ireland joins the decision of the English Rugby Union and Rugby League, which last month banned transgender players from participating in women’s matches due to safety concerns.

“Recent research shows that there are physical differences between people who are assigned male or female gender at birth. “Strength, endurance and physical attributes that occur during male puberty are significant and continue after the removal of testosterone,” the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said in a statement. Communication.

Includes two players

“The IRFU is well aware that this is a sensitive and challenging area for those involved and the wider LGBT+ community and will continue to work with those affected by providing support to ensure their continued participation in the game,” Example added. Only two players registered in Ireland will be affected by the rule change. The IRFU said they had been contacted to discuss “options to remain active” in the community, “such as non-contact sports, officiating and coaching”.

“Ireland should not follow the UK’s lead in trying to reduce the number of opportunities for trans women to exist safely. Ireland can and must do better”, responded Paula Fagan, Director General of the LGBT Movement in Ireland, calling on the IRFU to “reconsider the decision”.