English RFU to hold vote on trans female athlete issue

The English Rugby Football Union is to vote next week on recommendations that only females born as females be permitted to play the sport, the governing body has announced.

The recommendations have been made after the RFU conducted an extensive review of its gender participation policy for English domestic rugby.

The RFU says it received more than 11,000 responses to a game-wide survey on the matter and listened to a wide range of views, while also considering scientific evidence and guidance from other sporting bodies.

A vote on the matter will be taken by the RFU Council on Friday, July 29 with a view to changing the policy ahead of the 2022-23 season.

A statement from the RFU said "science provides the basis of the recommendation that the inclusion of trans people assigned male at birth in female contact rugby cannot be balanced against considerations of safety and fairness".

It added: "The recommendation is that until such time as new science is available, a precautionary approach is appropriate to ensure fair competition and safety of all competitors.

"This is a complex and difficult decision and the recommendation has not been made lightly or without thorough and full research and consultation."