USA Rugby, the governing body for rugby in the United States, has made a significant policy change by introducing an 'open' gender division aimed at accommodating trans athletes. This move comes in the wake of various legislative and executive actions that have sought to regulate gender participation in sports, notably President Trump's executive order focused on excluding trans women from women’s sports. Now, the new policy allows participation based solely on self-identified gender, which means any athlete can register under the gender category they choose, enhancing inclusivity within the sport.

The introduction of this Open Division aligns with recent directives from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, which requires all governing bodies to ensure compliance with policies that support inclusivity for all athletes, regardless of their gender identity. USA Rugby's new category will exist alongside traditional Men's and Women’s Divisions, marking a shift towards greater acceptance and representation of diverse gender identities in competitive sports. This policy change reflects an evolving understanding of gender in sports and aims to provide equal opportunities to all athletes.

However, the implementation of this policy may raise questions and potential challenges regarding the monitoring and verification process for athletes registering under the open category. While the organization indicates there may be vetting by officials, the practicalities of ensuring fair competition while allowing self-identification remain a topic of discussion among sports enthusiasts, governing bodies, and advocates for trans rights alike. The move represents a broader trend towards recognizing and addressing the complexities of gender in athletics, prompting other sports organizations to consider similar policies that embrace inclusivity and diversity.