01/10/2026
🏳️🌈🏉 A change to England Touch’s participation policy
We want to acknowledge the recent change to England Touch’s participation policy, which changes eligibility for competitive Touch based on s*x recorded at birth rather than self-identified gender.
Pride In Touch and IGR Touch have published a joint response expressing their disappointment with the decision and concerns about how it was reached.
Their concerns include:
• A lack of meaningful consultation with trans, non-binary and inters*x players and relevant LGBTQ+ sporting organisations.
• The previous commitment to establish an expert panel to consider evidence, fairness, safety and inclusion not being followed through.
• No published Touch-specific evidence or Equality Impact Assessment explaining why these restrictions are considered necessary.
• A lack of clarity around how the new policy will affect non-binary and inters*x players, youth and development pathways, and how clubs should implement the changes safely and consistently.
We recognise that the legal landscape around participation in sport has changed, and that England Touch needs to consider its legal responsibilities.
At the same time, we believe it is important that the people affected by changes to participation rules are listened to, and that decisions are transparent, evidence-based and properly considered.
Touch has historically been a sport where people from different backgrounds can come together and play alongside one another. We want to see that spirit of inclusion remain at the heart of our game.
We stand with trans, non-binary and inters*x members of the Touch community and support constructive dialogue about how everyone can continue to feel welcome, safe and valued in our sport. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
You can read the full joint statement from Pride In Touch and IGR Touch for more detail.
