USA Rugby has announced the controversial decision to implement an 'open' category to allow trans athletes to compete in the sport ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The decision, which has sparked backlash online, comes ahead of the 2028 Olympics on home soil, and amid a huge rise in popularity across the country. In a statement, USA Rugby said: 'The Open Division will permit any athlete, regardless of gender assigned at birth and gender identity, to compete in USA Rugby-sanctioned events, whether full contact or non-contact. 'Division status will be determined during the membership application and registration process, when an athlete selects the "gender" option in Rugby Xplorer. 'When applying for membership or registering as "Female" or registering for an event in the Women's Division, an athlete represents and warrants to USA Rugby that they are Female.'

Source: Daily Mail March 01, 2026 14:23 UTC