Rugby league bans transgender women at World Cup, other sports ban feud

The FINA Swimming Federation’s decision was met with heavy criticism by organizations that fight for equality. Megan Rapinoe, a star player on the US soccer team, called the International Film Association guidelines “disgusting and cruel”. “Why do some people go out of their way to prevent trans people from achieving success in sports?” she asked.

With the IOC leaving it up to unions to make decisions on this sensitive topic, many unions are now grappling with the issue. This includes the IRL rugby union, which wrote in its statement: “We affirm that rugby league is a sport for everyone and that everyone should be able to play our sport. We will establish a set of standards, based on evidence, that create the most equal opportunity possible for all involved.”

As far as we know, there are no transgender rugby players

IRL’s decision to ban transgender people from the World Cup in October appears to have no consequences. Large countries do not have transgender people in their choices, nor is this known in smaller countries.

The participating countries are Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cook Islands, England, France, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.