The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Rugby's Radical Law Change Proposals / The IOC And Their Controversial Trangender Policy

03.30.2024 - By Professor Ross Tucker and Mike FinchPlay

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It's one of the hottest topics on our Discourse channel but can World Rugby's new law proposasl preserve the spectacle of the game while still ensuring player safety? The team dig into some of the changes being trialled and proposals for more changes.

Plus ultra runners Camille Herron - who broke six world endurance running records on her way to a new women's six-day record - and Jasmin Paris - who became the first female to finish the legendary Barkley Marathon - have raised the question of how women compare to men in endurance sport. Is the gap closing?

Plus why did a group of 26 independent scientists (including Ross) publish a paper to refute the IOC's framework and academic paper on transgender athletes?

Support our work on Patreon HERE at and get free access to our Discourse channel HERE

SHOW NOTES:

Rugby rule changes on our Discourse group. https://scienceofsportpodcast.discourse.group/t/world-rugby-new-plans-for-the-game/1197/4

Reassessing the use of the TMO in rugby World Rugby wants to ­overhaul TMO protocol which has come under widespread criticism for bringing too many lengthy stoppages to the game. 

Women's Ultrarunning Discourse discussion on the Barkley marathon

Sean Ingle's article on Jasmin Paris' Barkley success

Transgender Paper The academic paper refuting the IOC's Framework and scientific argument

Our Discourse discussion on the paper and the issues

More than 100 elite British sportswomen have told the BBC they would be uncomfortable with transgender women competing in female categories in their sport. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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