‘Every body is a rugby body’: US women players fight for inclusivity after trans ban
Following USA Rugby's February 2026 decision to ban transgender women from women's competition, many players and teams have voiced strong opposition, emphasizing rugby's inclusive culture. Athletes and advocates are exploring alternatives such as competing in the newly created 'open' category or forming independent leagues to maintain inclusivity. The backlash reflects broader resistance within women's rugby to policies seen as undermining the sport’s long-standing ethos of gender diversity and belonging.
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The USA women’s team at the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 match with the Samoa team in York, England, on 6 September 2025. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThe USA women’s team at the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 match with the Samoa team in York, England, on 6 September 2025. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesBuilding powerRugby union‘Every body is a rugby body’: US women players fight for inclusivity after trans banPlayers are considering only competing in the ‘open’ category, which allows people of any sex or gender to playBuilding power is supported byAbout this contentFrankie de la CretazThu 30 Apr 2026 10.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWhen USA Rugby (USAR) updated its eligibility requirements in February to ban trans women from competing, many…
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