IRFU Transgender Women Policy Change

And this is the crux of it. A case by case basis would almost certainly result in the IRFU being brought before the courts for discrimination. As it is a case is about to be filed relating to head injuries where every minute detail of the Union's health and safety protocols will come under intense scrutiny. In the current climate the IRFU's decision is completely understandable.

Furthermore, the Union are clearly segregating the women's game based on participant's sex rather than their gender. This is important as it recognises the inherent advantages enjoyed by female trans athletes over their competitors whilst also being respectful of their gender identity.

Regardless of the merits or demerits of the decision, it's very unfortunate that it has come at a time where trans people are under concerted and malicious attack from the far right.

I'm sure many commenters are coming from a place of reason rather than bigotry, but we all know that a large amount of those commenting on the issues, both online and elsewhere, are unabashed transphobes who couldn't care less about women's safety.

Wasnt that post going around WhatsApp last week that showed a balding "trans woman" who appeared to have all the characteristics of a man playing womens football an example of what many would call "blokes in dresses"? That person appeared to have undergone absolutely no gender transition surgery or hormone therapy and yet considered his/herself to be a woman? There is also no hint that this person was ready to transition as a teen or that they even felt that way back then. As far as I am aware the trans movement is fully open to the idea that many trans people are totally unaware of their trans status until middle age. Its well documented that many new trans identifying people never ever felt "trans" growing up.

A lot of the trans apologists seem to be under the illusion that a large percentage of people identifying as trans have gender dysphoria....this is simply not the case anymore. The modern trans movement does not require or expect people to have to undergo any sort of gender change therapy, drugs or surgery. You simply have to feel like a woman. It is entirely subjective.

Would you be happy for a seasoned male athlete like the aforementioned GAA player to come in and knock lumps off the local ladies social rugby team?

Its the right and correct call by the IRFU and they are to be commended for it.

Btw whats the lower age limit for girls to play senior rugby, 17? 18?

Now imagine someone the size of andrew porter, 18 stone and 6 foot tall. Under the old regulations there was nothing to stop him, a man, identifying as a woman and playing for a ladies rugby team. And totally flattening all and sundry on the rugby pitch.

The IRFU are rightly and correctly closing that loophole and the subsequent serious injuries and insurance claims that would have ensued.

I think you need to reread your own post and my post....

These trans players are still perfectly entitled to play rugby, just not women's rugby contrary to your post...

Being sound to someone does not always mean giving them everything they want. It might be sound to give a drug addict the drugs they want or a child the dangerous things they want to play with. As adults we are supposed to do the right thing above the "sound" thing. I think the IRFUs decision is quite right and sound to the women who are probably now relieved they won't have to play against biological males.

I actually know 2 people who consider themselves transgender including one of them who would have been my best friend for years growing up. He has always had issues that go far beyond being allowed to play a sport or not and unfortunately that is the case for an awful lot of trans people. He was a big rugby player and extraordinarily strong and at times worryingly aggressive to the point where he attacked another guy who used to bully him and gave him a ruptured spleen and fractured his own hand. He now identifies as a woman although i havent spoken to him in 12 years. I'd be extremely worried for the wellbeing of any woman playing against him if he decided to play rugby in his new identity as a woman.