Here’s why Transgender women may not participate in elite and international rugby

Twickenham, London, Britain - March 7, 2020 General view of rugby balls on the pitch inside the stadium before a match [REUTERS/Toby Melville]

Transgender women may not participate in elite and international women’s rugby, the sport’s global governing body World Rugby said, amid a heated debate on the issue in sports leagues and LGBT+ communities.

In new guidelines, World Rugby said the naturally acquired physical benefits that trans women receive by going through male puberty and the safety concerns for other female players made trans women ineligible for competition.