NCR Changes Transgender Inclusion Policy, Prompting Backlash Across Rugby Community

National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) has quietly changed its transgender inclusion policy, barring trans women from participating in women’s qualifying matches and championship events. The March 2025 update comes just weeks after NCR reaffirmed its commitment to Title IX compliance and inclusion.

In the new policy, NCR states that:

“All waivers, whether existing or prospective, for an assigned male at birth (AMAB) are suspended until further notice due to the uncertainty in enforcement of Title IX.”

While framed as a suspension—not a ban—the impact is the same: trans women are removed from championship-level play, regardless of hormone therapy or previous compliance.

The sudden reversal has sparked concern across the rugby landscape.

“Rugby prides itself on being a home for all. This step backward contradicts that principle,” said Editor Wendy Young. “NCR’s policy change appears politically motivated and deeply out of step with both medical science and the lived experience of trans athletes.”

What Changed?

In February 2025, NCR responded to a new executive order under the Trump administration by affirming its commitment to inclusion. Just weeks later, the March policy update reversed course.

In a call with Your Scrumhalf Connection, NCR Board Chair Rafael Zahralddin described the decision as a “temporary compromise,” driven by time pressure around CRC qualifying matches and legal threats—specifically, the potential for member schools (not NCR) to face litigation or regulatory scrutiny. He emphasized that NCR consulted with athletic directors and Title IX officers at member institutions, many of whom follow NCAA, NAIA, or IOC guidelines.

“We’re simply asking for a breather,” Zahralddin said. “This is a stage of evaluation. We see it as a compromise—one we’re not happy with—but one that allows NCR to stay afloat while we gather feedback from our clubs and members.”

According to NCR, the policy was voted on by the full board, with input from legal, medical, and staff advisors. Waiver assessments were handled confidentially by the compliance committee and NCR’s Eligibility Manager.

But some in the community say the decision felt abrupt and lacking transparency.

“They promote inclusion—and in the same breath changed the policy hoping no one would bring attention to it,” said Coach Chrissy Carpenter. “No formal announcement. Nothing.”

To date, NCR has approved 10 waivers—though only three athletes were eligible for the qualifier, and it’s likely only one competed.

A Sharp Reversal

In January, NCR publicly defended a trans athlete who appeared in a highlight reel and was targeted by far-right platforms. Staff mobilized to protect the athlete’s safety, asking the community to report in the hopes that platforms would remove the video.

Now, less than two months later, that same athlete is effectively suspended from competition. While the political climate has shifted—with increased pressure on universities—many say this feels less like risk management and more like political calculation.

NCR says it engaged directly with schools holding active waivers and offered support through staff and board members. However, coaches report that communication was limited and reactive.

Angela Smarto, NCR’s Director of Women’s Rugby and Commissioner for Division I & II, spoke out publicly—despite personal risk.

“On a personal level, I cannot express the deep grief I feel that this decision keeps people out of the community I love so much. This community is why I have spent my entire adult life working to have as many people in it as possible.

My only concern is for the safety of our young athletes, as they are at incredible risk of depression, isolation, and self-harm. Everyone has to belong somewhere, and I want that somewhere to be the women’s rugby community.”

What the Policy Says

• AFAB athletes (assigned female at birth) may play for either team if not taking testosterone. Medical documentation is required if prescribed.
• AMAB athletes are suspended from women’s qualifying matches and championships, even if medically transitioned.
• Athletes may still participate in practices, social matches, and non-qualifying events.

While much of the conversation has focused on trans women, this policy also affects AFAB athletes—particularly trans men. Once a trans man begins testosterone, he’s required to play on a men’s team, regardless of physical size, safety, or playing experience.

This isn’t a rule NCR created—it mirrors broader sport policy around testosterone being deemed a performance enhancing drug (PED)—but its enforcement underscores how women’s bodies (and trans bodies in particular) are more heavily policed in sport.

“Are we prepared for that kind of gender policing on the field?” one coach asked.

What About Other Governing Bodies?

Your Scrumhalf Connection reached out to several national rugby organizations for comment.

USA Rugby confirmed its policy remains unchanged:

“The USA Rugby transgender athlete policy remains unchanged, beholden to the open and inclusive values of our community and game,” said Calder Cahill, Head of Communications. “We haven’t experienced any pressure to alter the policy at this time.”

USA Club Rugby, which oversees the adult game under USA Rugby, echoed this position:

“None of the Senior Club Committees (SCC) are currently in review of this policy. We continue to implement the policy as in the past,” said Chair Al Lucas.

College Rugby Association of America (CRAA), another collegiate body, also reaffirmed its stance:

“CRAA will continue to support and affirm the rights of transgender athletes,” said Director Olivia Benzan-Daniel. “We are not experiencing any pressure to alter our policies.”

These three governing bodies continue to uphold inclusive guidelines—setting NCR apart as the only major rugby organization in the U.S. to reverse course under political pressure.

Want to Take Action?

If you’d like to reach out to NCR directly, you can email: compliance@ncr.rugby.

As conversations around fairness and inclusion continue to evolve, we’re hopeful that USA Rugby—and other governing bodies—will consider adopting the updated 2021 guidelines from the International Olympic Committee. These revised recommendations move away from outdated, one-size-fits-all standards and instead emphasize individual assessments, human rights, and the importance of avoiding medically unnecessary requirements for athletes. You can read the full IOC Framework here.