Fighting Women's Elite Rugby's unconscionable ban on trans women
Demand that Women's Elite Rugby reverse its ban on transgender women — because rugby belongs to everyone.
Photo credits: Susi Seitz
Fan Boycott
We successfully organized a 1-weekend fan boycott on July 11th and 12th. Huge thanks to Sports Bra and Babes for supporting our effort!
Our effort doesn't have to end here. Fans, players, and allies across the country are acting their conscience, and refusing to engaging with WER on any level until trans women are truly, permanently, and equitably included in practice and play. Join us in boycotting WER - no tickets, no streams, no participation!
The Heart of the Pitch
Built on Community
Rugby is founded on respect and the belief that there is a place for every body on the field. Women's rugby has long led the way in creating environments where athletes of all backgrounds thrive.
A Culture at Risk
The recent exclusionary mandates from Women's Elite Rugby (WER) threaten to dismantle the inclusive culture our players have spent years building — one that defines the very soul of the game.
We Stand Together
The Let Them Play Project unites fans, athletes, and allies to hold WER accountable and restore the open, welcoming spirit that makes rugby extraordinary.
Photo credit: Jessica Vermillion
WER's Quiet Ban on Transgender Women
In 2026, Women's Elite Rugby (WER) began quietly enforcing a blanket ban on transgender women — with no evidence-based justification and no due process.
What WER Is Doing
The policy removes transgender athletes from rosters, practices, and community spaces — silently evicting the pioneers who helped build the professional league from the ground up.
Why It Matters
Unlike standard administrative procedures, this ban targets individuals based solely on gender identity. We are documenting every case, every removal, and every player affected — because their stories deserve to be heard.
Our Demands
- Allow trans players to practice this season.
- Provide due process and proper documentation of these policies and their implementation.
- Publish a clear plan for trans inclusion in 2027.
Photo credit: Jessica Vermillion
Photo credit: Aubrey Lehrmann
Photo credit: Mel Paz
The dehumanization and attempted erasure of ANY group is a significant step on the slippery slope towards Genocide and Mass Atrocity.
Trans erasure and quiet removal from public facing sports opportunities, is a step on that path. Trans and non-Binary People deserve the same rights and privileges as any other human being. To deny them this makes it that much easier to incite and condone violence against them.
Dr. Kent Schull is a Binghamton University Professor
and a Faculty Fellow of the Institute for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention (I-GMAP)
Photo credit: Mel Paz
Photo credit: Aubrey Lehrmann
Be on the Right Side of History
Every act of solidarity counts. Here is how you can push back against WER's exclusionary policy right now.
Visit rugbyforall.co for even more resources and information on USA Rugby's policy.
Boycott WER
Refuse to purchase WER products, tickets, or merchandise until the ban is reversed. Economic pressure is one of our most powerful tools.
Make Noise at Matches
At the game? Disrupt the broadcast vocally and visually. Banners, chants, and visible solidarity send an unmistakable message to sponsors watching.
Fund the Legal Fight
Donate directly to the legal fund supporting trans players facing discrimination. Send contributions via Venmo @NaomiCarrillo12.
Contact Investors
Write to WER investors, board members, and sponsors. Inform them of the growing backlash and demand accountability. Contact cards with names, emails, and mailing addresses are below.
Photo credit: Jessica Vermillion
Photo credit: Jessica Vermillion
Our Hope for Rugby's Future
When the whistle blows, everyone is welcome on the pitch.
We demand a sport that honors its commitment to every athlete — one where gender identity is never a barrier to the game we love. Together, we will hold WER accountable and build the inclusive future that rugby has always promised.
Reverse the Ban
WER must immediately suspend its blanket exclusion of transgender women from all levels of elite play.
Restore Due Process
Every athlete deserves a fair, evidence-based framework — not targeted removal without representation or appeal.
Honor the Culture
Rugby's identity is built on inclusion. We will not stop until that promise is kept for every player, everywhere.
Photo credit: Aubrey Lehrmann
