02/10/2026
EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT MANCHESTER VILLAGE SPARTANS
A message from the Chair and Touch Rugby Director and Leaders.
Following the deeply disappointing announcement of changes to participation eligibility within competitive Touch Rugby in England, we want to make the position of Manchester Village Spartans absolutely clear.
Everyone is welcome at the Spartans.
We do not agree with the new restrictions on the participation of trans, non-binary and intersex people in competitive touch.
The Manchester Village Spartans were one of the first pioneers of inclusive rugby and we have worked tirelessly to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all for over 25 years. We proudly stand alongside Pride In Touch and IGR in fighting for a transparent and evidence-based approach to any change to participation rules to make Touch Rugby fully inclusive once more.
We call on the England Touch committee board to invite leaders and representatives to an open discussion to remind them of their vision, mission and values that so regularly promote and provide diversity and opportunities for ALL and should not be used to build barriers and exclude those who have found a home in Touch Rugby.
We recognise that changes to eligibility rules for competitive Touch Rugby may be upsetting and unsettling for members of our community, particularly those who may now find that their opportunities to participate in certain competitions are different from those they previously enjoyed.
Whatever your gender identity, sexual orientation, background, experience or ability, there is a place for you at Manchester Village Spartans. We never want anyone within our community to feel that a change in competition regulations means that they no longer belong.
We will continue to create opportunities for people of all abilities, identities and backgrounds to train, play and enjoy Touch Rugby with us. We will continue to treat every member with dignity and respect and we will continue to stand alongside members of our community who may be affected by these changes.
So, to our existing and future members, our message is simple:
Come as you are!
Play as you are!
Be a Spartan as you are!
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