Read on Twitter
“At the present time, however, based on the best published scientific evidence, that position [inclusion of transgender women in women's rugby] is unsupported”.
Transwomen face potential women’s rugby ban over safety concerns https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/jul/19/transwomen-face-potential-womens-rugby-ban-over-safety-concerns
Transwomen face potential women’s rugby ban over safety concerns https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/jul/19/transwomen-face-potential-womens-rugby-ban-over-safety-concerns
"[T]he working group will consider its position if the scientific evidence changes".
“Current policies...are based on the premise that reducing testosterone to levels found in biological females is sufficient to remove many of the biologically-based performance advantages. However, peer-reviewed evidence suggests this is not the case".
Having participated in this working group, and bear in mind that this guidance document is still under consultation - I am writing a response now! - I would like to congratulate World Rugby on their transparent process and, importantly, evidence-led proposals.
One aspect of the evidence base presented to World Rugby - studies of loss of muscle mass and strength in transwomen - are collected as a scientific review (currently under academic review) in my pinned tweet. https://twitter.com/FondOfBeetles/status/1260511346199797760?s=20
However, there has also been extensive scientific modelling of, for example, the forces involved in various rugby contacts and how that is linked to potential injury risk.
As I say, the science-led approach taken by World Rugby to examine issues like safety and fairness has been exemplary.
Anyway, thanks to @seaningle for this faithful report.
