Irish Rugby Federation Bans Transgenders From Playing On Women's Teams, LGBT Community: Incompatible With Sporting Values

JAKARTA - The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) decision to ban transgender women from competing with adult female rugby players has met with resistance from the LGBT (lebian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community.

The decision was called "regressive" by Dublin LGBT team 'The Emerald Warriors'. In a statement, they urged the IRFU to reverse its decision.

The statement added that the new policy would "further" reduce "spaces in which transgender people" can feel safe while "affecting rugby, sport and our society."

"This move is incompatible with sporting values," the LGBT club said.

In announcing the action on Wednesday, the IRFU acknowledged that this issue is a complex one.

"The IRFU has worked with players and other groups in the LGBT community to explain that this change is based solely on new research on safety," said Anne Marie Hughes, Spirit of Rugby Manager.

"This is a very sensitive area, and it is important to show respect to all members of our rugby family and the wider community."