World Rugby considers transgender women ban

Transgender players could be banned from participating in women's rugby following a review by the sport's governing body.

World Rugby says there is a 'clear safety risk' when transgender women play contact rugby. A 38-page draft report, which has been seen by The Guardian, claims there is 20-30% more chance of a woman being injured if they are tackled by a player who has gone through male puberty.

At the moment, transgender women can play women's rugby as long as their testosterone levels have been below International Olympic Committee guidelines for at least 12 months. However, the report states there is new scientific evidence to show players retain a 'significant' physical advantage over biological women even after the testosterone reduction.

In a statement given to BBC Sport in response, World Rugby said: "The latest peer reviewed research confirms that a reduction of testosterone does not lead to a proportionate reduction in mass, muscle mass, strength or power. These important determinants of injury risk and performance remain significantly elevated after testosterone suppression.

"This presents a clear safety risk when transgender women play women's contact rugby and this position is reflected within draft guidelines that are currently out for stakeholder consultation prior to the World Rugby Council considering the matter later this year.

"Rugby is an inclusive and welcoming sport and World Rugby is fully committed to continuing to work with relevant groups to explore appropriate participation pathways for transgender athletes and is funding further research into the safe participation of all players in rugby. This is in addition to extensive non-contact participation avenues that are available to everyone at union level."

A decision on whether to go ahead with the ban is expected to be taken at a World Rugby Council meeting in November.