USA Rugby updates Competition Eligibility Policy

USA Rugby has issued a mandatory update to its Competition Eligibility Policy, directly responding to the United States Administration’s Executive Order 14201, which the USOPC requires all National Governing Bodies to adopt. This crucial revision, approved by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), maintains USA Rugby’s NGB status and avoids sanctions, impacting all sanctioned competitions nationwide. The new policy establishes three categories: Men’s, Women’s, and an innovative Open Division. The Open Division permits any athlete, regardless of gender assigned at birth or gender identity, to compete in full-contact and non-contact USA Rugby-sanctioned events, with approval granted on a per-tournament basis. While USA Rugby acknowledges this change will significantly impact community members and may conflict with some values, it underscores its commitment to inclusivity while adhering to federal mandates like the Ted Stevens Olympic & Amateur Sports Act, ensuring a fair and safe competition environment for US rugby.