Transgender women will be allowed to play women’s rugby in France next year, the French Rugby Federation have confirmed.
This goes against the recommendations of World Rugby who banned trans women from the elite games last October, citing fears of injury risks. However, as the recommendations are not legally binding they added that it would be up to individual federations to rule on the policy at grassroots level.
The FFR’s decision means it becomes the first sporting federation in France to give the green light for transgender players to take part in elite domestic competition.
Trans women who have not undergone surgery, and are still in the process of transitioning from male to female, will be able to play in all official FFR competitions provided they agree to undergo a minimum 12-month hormone treatment. In addition, their testosterone threshold must not exceed five nanomole/litre.
They must also be administratively recognised in their new sex by the civil authorities of their country, the FFR said.
Transsexuals, physically reassigned and recognised in their current sex, can compete in all FFR competitions without any preconditions.
"Rugby is an inclusive, sharing sport, without distinction of sex, gender, origin or religion," said Serge Simon, the vice-president of the French rugby federation. "It is important to allow all our members to practice their passion while respecting everyone's rights.’’
With two years to go before the World Cup in France, the French federation said the vote sends a "benevolent and resolute signal that respect for minorities is an irrefutable right in our sport."
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