https://usa.rugby/news/usa-rugby-updates-competition-eligibility-policy-2026227(https://usa.rugby/news/usa-rugby-updates-competition-eligibility-policy-2026227)

This policy was initiated by a presidential executive order 14201 (https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-14201-keeping-men-out-womens-sports)(https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-14201-keeping-men-out-womens-sports). The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee determined that this order applied to all National Governing Bodies (NGB), including USA Rugby. USA Rugby was forced to comply by creating the policy. Neither the Senior Club Council (which oversees all competition at the adult club level) nor the Carolinas Geographic Rugby Union had any input on the content or timing of this policy.

A member sent a comment to USA Rugby, and this was the response: Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback.  We understand how important this issue is to you and to many people. The policy was adopted in order to comply with external requirements.  While USA Rugby is not in a position to make changes to the policy, please know your feedback has been received and carefully noted. Sincerely, USA Rugby

Released March 8, 2026: https://usaclub.rugby/2026/03/08/regarding-usa-rugbys-new-athlete-safety-policy/(https://usaclub.rugby/2026/03/08/regarding-usa-rugbys-new-athlete-safety-policy/)

As of today, there will be no changes. Current men's and women's teams will continue to compete within their matrix competitions. Our two IGR clubs compete socially and are not part of the CGRU matrix. These clubs are members of the CGRU and are fully compliant. All matches are in our Friendlies competition against other CGRU clubs or IGR clubs from other unions. However, discussions over the weekend has spurred the idea of an IGR competition at the regional or national level within RX. Think of the Atlantic Women's D1 where teams from multiple unions compete in one competition. There will be no changes for 15s NCS Pathway Competitions per the SCC.

There is no change at the individual level for any role (player/coach/admin/etc.). During the next annual registration cycle, the gender question is being changed from multiple options to male or female based upon the competition where you will be playing effective fall '26. (http://26.you)It is not indicative of your gender at birth. This is the information we currently have, although changes may occur. It is the competition that determines the Open status. The Union would create an open comp, and then add teams to that comp. After registering with a club, the player would be moved to a specific team. A single club could have a Men's D3, Women's D2, and an Open team, each in a different comp.

USA Rugby is the only body authorized to determine player eligibility. There will be no on-field challenges or contests regarding a player’s gender or division eligibility in CGRU competitions. Neither the Carolinas Rugby Union nor the Senior Club Council will review or adjudicate complaints submitted by members related to any claims involving transgender athletes. The established process remains unchanged: all such complaints must be submitted directly to USA Rugby. No complaint or protest on this topic will be accepted on the pitch, prior to an event, or after a competition by the Union or Senior Club Council. This process was specifically designed to protect the privacy of our members, and it will continue to be enforced. Complaints should be directed to USA Rugby Compliance Office: compliance@usa.rugby(mailto:compliance@usa.rugby) It is important to emphasize that USA Rugby will not tolerate discrimination or harassment, and making a bad faith complaint may constitute misconduct.

All clubs remain the same as they have been. A club may have multiple teams, each of which competes in a different competition. It is the competition which determines the status. Your club may have teams in men's D3, women's D2 and Open. It is up to the club to move players to the appropriate team. My understanding is that movement between teams will be restricted by eligibility. For example, there are limitations for a player to play both men's D2 and D3. I would expect similar language for a player to move between women's D2 and Open.

As the head of Rugby Xplorer for all of Senior Club Council, I can tell you that there have been no discussions on the implications of this policy within RX. No guidance has been provided by USA Rugby.

At this point, we do not know. A tournament host could offer any combination of men's, women's and open divisions. The challenges will be finding enough teams for each division and creating a schedule to accommodate everyone.