Ireland joined the England Rugby Union’s decision to ban transgender players from women’s competitions last month, citing safety concerns.

“Transgender women have been excluded from women’s rugby because of the size, strength and power advantages that testosterone provides during puberty and adolescence, as well as the risks to player welfare.

Recent studies show that there are physical differences between people who are assigned male or female at birth. The strength, endurance, and physical benefits of male puberty are significant and persist even after testosterone is removed.

The IRFU is fully aware that this is a sensitive and difficult area for those involved and the wider LGBT+ community and will continue to work with those affected, providing support to ensure their continued participation in the game.” said the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). in a statement quoted by News.ro.

The rule change will only affect two Irish-registered players, with the IRFU saying it has contacted them to offer alternatives such as non-contact forms of play, refereeing and training.

“Ireland should not follow the example of the UK in trying to reduce the number of cases where trans women can exist safely. Ireland can and must do better.” – responded Paula Fagan, CEO of the LGBT movement in Irelandasking the MFI to “reconsider its decision”.