Inclusion Statement
#RugbyForAll
Brooklyn Rugby strives to have a team that reflects the diversity of the borough.
We see rugby as a sport for all and welcome all to join us on and off the pitch, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, size, ability, sexuality, gender identity, gender expression, and income level. We are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all.
Brooklyn Rugby embraces people of all backgrounds and identities, including queer, trans, and nonbinary individuals. We welcome and support our trans and nonbinary players. Rugby has always been a sport with a place for every body type, skillset, and experience level. World Rugby identifies integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect as key characteristics of rugby. Trans bans are antithetical to these characteristics that we see in our teammates and competitors. Many of us have found safety and community within rugby, and we see acceptance and inclusion as fundamental values within our club and our sport.
We recognize that many of the teams we play regularly also have trans athletes. We will not challenge a player’s eligibility to play based on perceived identity. We denounce efforts to limit and ban trans athletes participation in rugby and other sports. These bans are backed by misinformation and rooted in transphobia and misogyny. Further, we condemn all forms of hate and see no place for them in rugby.
To our teammates and community members, we are #withyou on and off the pitch.
For more information about the inclusion of trans athletes check out these resources: