Transgender athletes will be banned from competing in women's international matches after the International Rugby League (IRL) followed swimming's example at the elite standard.
The IRL announced the change on Tuesday but said it will use this year's Rugby League World Cup "to implement a formal transgender inclusion policy." For the time being, however, the new rules will prevent transitioned players from competing in women's Test games.
The decision reflects a recent trend among senior sports bodies that have revised their policies in regards to trans participation. IAAF President Seb Coe has suggested athletics could follow FINA —the world's governing body for swimming—by barring trans athletes from women's competitions.
"In the interests of avoiding unnecessary welfare, legal and reputational risk to International Rugby League competitions, and those competing therein, the IRL believes there is a requirement and responsibility to further consult and complete additional research before finalising its policy," said the IRL in a statement published on Tuesday.
"The IRL reaffirms its belief that rugby league is a game for all and that anyone and everyone can play our sport. It is the IRL’s responsibility to balance the individual’s right to participate - a long-standing principle of rugby league and at its heart from the day it was established - against perceived risk to other participants, and to ensure all are given a fair hearing."
Rugby league lawmakers intend to deliberate with this year's eight World Cup teams in order to devise a transwomen inclusion policy for release next year. The IRL added this will take "into consideration the unique characteristics of rugby league. "
FINA confirmed on Monday that it intended to create an 'open category', in which trans athletes would be allowed to compete. Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title when she clinched the women's 500-yard freestyle in March.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was heavily criticised earlier this year when his Government went back on plans to ban trans conversion therapy. He then came in for more scrutiny when he backed trans athletes being banned from certain competitions, saying "biological males" should not take part in women's sports.
England is due to host this year's Women's Rugby League World Cup, which gets underway on November 1. Australia come into the tournament targeting their third consecutive World Cup crown, with the final due to be played at Manchester United 's home ground, Old Trafford, on November 14.
