US Rugby Club Embraces New 'Open' Division After Governing Body Updates Participation Policy
A prominent rugby club in the United States has made a significant organizational shift following a recent rule change by the sport's national governing body. The Charlotte Royals, a rugby program based in North Carolina, has announced that it will be removing its women's teams and will instead compete exclusively in a newly established "open" division.
USA Rugby's Policy Update Creates Three Competition Categories
The move came shortly after USA Rugby updated its official participation policy. Under the new guidelines, women's competitions will now be limited to biological females. Simultaneously, the organization created an open category where athletes of any gender identity or sex assigned at birth can participate freely.
According to an official statement released by USA Rugby, this change means the sport will now feature three distinct divisions: men's, women's, and open. The organization clarified: "USA Rugby will now have three competition categories: Men's Division, Women's Division and Open Division. 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."
Charlotte Royals' Decision to Support Transgender and Non-Binary Athletes
Following this announcement, the Charlotte Royals decided to shift all of their teams to the open division. The club emphasized that the decision was made specifically to support transgender and non-binary athletes who wish to continue playing rugby within their program.
In a public statement explaining their choice, the Charlotte Royals wrote: "The Charlotte Royals believe that trans women are women. Banning trans players hurts everyone in the sport and the larger community. We will be using the Open Division for any sanctioned matches we engage in, and encourage other clubs and unions to do the same."
The club also highlighted the historical role of transgender activists in the LGBTQ rights movement, noting: "Trans women were the trailblazers of the U.S. LGBTQIA+ liberation movement during Stonewall, especially Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. We will continue to include our trans siblings in our organization and community, without hesitation."
Broader Support and Online Reactions to the Policy Change
Another rugby club, the Mother Ruckers, has expressed support for the new open division, sharing a similar message online. The Charlotte Royals have long promoted inclusion within rugby, having previously hosted the 2021 International Gay Rugby North American Championship in North Carolina.
However, USA Rugby's decision has triggered strong and divided reactions across social media platforms. Some fans have voiced support for the open division, praising its inclusive approach, while others have criticized the policy vehemently.
One social media user commented: "There are only two genders." Another person reacted by posting that the decision was "total BS," reflecting the polarized nature of the ongoing debate.
Wider Context: Inclusion vs. Competition Rules in Sports
This policy change occurs during a broader national and international debate in sports about how to balance inclusion with competition rules. The discussion has grown increasingly prominent as the United States prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where similar issues around eligibility and fairness are expected to remain central to the global sports conversation.
The Charlotte Royals' move represents a concrete example of how sports organizations are navigating these complex questions, choosing to prioritize inclusion through structural changes to their competitive framework.
