'You will always have a place with us': Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents reiterate support for trans players

Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents Rugby Club has spoken out against new participation rules introduced by England Touch, saying the changes will restrict some trans, non-binary and intersex people from taking part in the sport.

In a statement released this week, the LGBTQ+ inclusive club said it was "disappointed" by the decision and pledged its continued support for trans, non-binary and intersex members of the rugby community.

The statement follows England Touch's announcement of changes to its inclusion policy, which the Sea Serpents say will limit access to touch rugby for some players in categories that align with their gender.

Condemning the move, the club said: "Touch rugby has always been a welcoming space, and we are disappointed to see this being taken away from members of our community."

The Brighton-based club also backed calls from Pride in Touch and the International Gay Rugby (IGR) network for greater transparency around the decision, questioning why such a significant change had been made without consultation with those directly affected.

The Sea Serpents said the club was founded on the belief that everyone should be able to participate in rugby as themselves and feel part of a team.

"The Sea Serpents were created on the belief that everyone deserves to find a place in rugby, where they can show up as themselves and be part of a team," the statement said. "We will continue to stand up for that."

The club also made clear that trans, non-binary and intersex players would remain welcome within the organisation.

"Players who wish to play in a category that aligns with their gender will be welcomed by the Sea Serpents," it said. "We do not feel that it is our place to ask anyone to justify their identity."

Addressing members of the community affected by the changes, the club added: "To our trans, non-binary and intersex players, friends and wider community: we stand with you, and you will always have a place with us."

The statement is the latest intervention from LGBTQ+ sporting organisations following England Touch's policy announcement, with campaigners and inclusive rugby groups calling for further clarity over how the new rules were developed and what impact they will have on players.