‘Every body is a rugby body’: US women players fight for inclusivity after trans ban

Players are considering only competing in the ‘open’ category, which allows people of any sex or gender to play

When USA Rugby (USAR) updated its eligibility requirements in February to ban trans women from competing, many players and fans were outraged. Within days, 300 people from around the country were on a call to discuss next steps. Dozens of teams posted messages on their social media accounts announcing their intention not to play without their trans teammates. A fund was even started to support affected players who wanted to pursue legal action.

The trans-exclusionary policy hit especially hard in a sport that’s one of the queerest and most gender-inclusive, where the guiding principle is “every body is a rugby body”, said Cameron Michels, a PhD student whose research focuses on queer and trans players’ experiences in women’s rugby.