World rugby has very clear guidelines on/for transgender women in the sport. They have dedicated time and space for this issue. After having done their own research in the biological differences between males and females, they concluded that transgender women cannot play with women. It would be too dangerous.
See: https://www.world.rugby/the-game/player-welfare/guidelines/transgender
‘The women’s category exists to ensure protection’
World Rugby came out with their transgender guidelines in 2020, saying that for the amateur level, countries were free to decide for themselves. Later that year the Dutch Rugby Association released a press statement that they had consulted; International Gay Rugby, (IGR), NOC*NSF, Lowlanders the only LGBTI+ rugby club in Nederland and Acda from Amstelveense Rugby Club.
“We see rugby as an inclusief sport and believe that rugby is for everyone. It is a contact sport, with a large social aspect. The interpersonal contact is central, the respect for each other is what defines the sport. Only looking at (possible) physical differences means that transwomen are in advance ruled out. We find this undesirable and don’t support this. “
Source ‘10 October Dutch Rugby Association Press release’ (see complete article below)
I was told by Simone de Bruin from the Association that this press release is their only statement regarding transgenders in Rugby.
This sort of transgender sport statement is hailed as inclusive – when in fact it works against the inclusion of females in safe and fair sport.
‘Transgender inclusion leads to female exclusion’.
Dutch Girls Rugby at the national stadium 2025. Homepage Rugby Association. Do they know they will play against men?
It appears that the Association did not consult all the other Rugby clubs in Nederland, only the LGBTI+ community. Furthermore these changes have not been voted or accepted by the annual general meetings of the Dutch Rugby Association. I find it very strange that the Association makes policy changes on the back of a press release.
How can the Dutch Rugby Association make such significant changes with just a press release?
I only received the transgender press release after my pretty little knee was pulled out of its socket by a trans woman and I can honestly say it was quite heartbreaking to read. There is so much compelling scientific evidence that says males are stronger than females. Even in the press release they acknowledge World rugby’s research that the risk of injury is at least 20-30% more when a female player is tackled from someone who has gone through male puberty.
The Dutch Rugby Association wanting to be inclusief just seems to accept that all biological female players will receive 30% more injuries when playing transgenders who have gone through male puberty.
The Rugby Association 10 October press release.
Womens Safety in Rugby 
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