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Sebastian Coe [file photo]. PA

'Biology trumps gender' - Coe hints athletics may follow swimming in banning transgender women

The World Athletics president has suggested that the sport may change its rules regarding transgender athletes.

WORLD ATHLETICS PRESIDENT Sebastian Coe has hinted track and field could follow swimming in banning transgender athletes from elite competition.

FINA, swimming’s world governing body, has voted to stop transgender competitors from taking part in women’s races if they have gone through part of male puberty.

American college swimmer Lia Thomas had already suggested she wanted to compete for the US Olympic squad but the new rules mean she would be banned.

Lord Coe was in Budapest at the weekend for the World Swimming Championships and suggested athletics may change its rules regarding transgender athletes.

“My responsibility is to protect the integrity of women’s sport and we take that very seriously, and if it means that we have to make adjustments to protocols going forward, we will,” he said.

“I’ve always made it clear: if we ever get pushed into a corner to that point where we’re making a judgment about fairness or inclusion, I will always fall down on the side of fairness.

“We see an international federation asserting its primacy in setting rules, regulations and policies that are in the best interest of its sport.

“This is as it should be. We have always believed, and repeated constantly, that biology trumps gender and we will continue to review our regulations in line with this.”

When asked whether World Athletics would consider adopting the same policy as FINA, Coe added: “We have always said our regulations in this area are a living document, specific to our sport and we will follow the science.

“We continue to study, research and contribute to the growing body of evidence that testosterone is a key determinator in performance and have scheduled a discussion on our DSD and transgender regulations with our council at the end of the year.”

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    Mute #COYBIB
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    Oct 13th 2014, 3:20 PM

    Please all read your season ticket holder email. Leinster rugby are urging any and all fans to bring a pair of boots and gum shield to the RDS on Sunday.

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Oct 13th 2014, 2:08 PM

    Crap. Speedy Recovery, Marty.

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    Mute Eugene Canavan
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    Oct 13th 2014, 2:29 PM

    Bent has pretty much gone down the road of being a lose head. He is no longer considered a TH.

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    Mute tyger tyger
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    Oct 13th 2014, 3:12 PM

    Lose head? That’s a bit harsh

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    Mute John B. Reid
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    Oct 13th 2014, 3:00 PM

    I really wonder if Leinster’s front-row players were adequately prepared during pre-season training, at the province, for the season ahead.

    The Ireland set-up may have to take more direct control of Irish players’ pre-season preparations next year, as Leinster’s pre-season preparation has clearly been a disaster which is unravelling all too soon.

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    Mute James Connely
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    Oct 13th 2014, 6:31 PM

    Its hardly time for conspiracy theories John. We’ve just go unlucky with a few injuries, really can’t blame Matt O’Connor for that.

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    Mute tribesman
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    Oct 13th 2014, 8:14 PM

    Interesting article by Neil Francis in Sunday Indo yesterday. Rugby players popping hamstrings and shoulders like popcorn in last few months – down to the weights program -too much muscle bulk and strain and something has to give … Cian Healy’s hamstring apparently is a catastrophic rupture which is highly irregular and very like the injury Straus suffered. He may also be blowing crap …

    http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinster-rugby/neil-francis-dealing-with-weighty-issue-of-exactly-how-much-is-enough-30656812.html

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    Mute charcoal lizard
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    Oct 13th 2014, 8:29 PM

    Something must be wrong. If agree with Francis, there’s no need for Healy to be packing on the beef to the extent he’s done

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    Mute Eoin McDowell
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    Oct 13th 2014, 8:39 PM

    Neil Francis is not a doctor, physio or authority on anything to do with anatomy, strength or conditioning. There are highly qualified s&c coaches, physios and doctors managing the players. They know far better than Franno what players should and shouldn’t be doing with their weight, gym, exertion etc.

    Yes rugby is becoming more physical but we’re going through an incredibly unlucky period. That will change.

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    Mute Cian O Donoghue
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    Oct 13th 2014, 8:49 PM

    I doubt that John. Munster are having a similar issue at hooker…

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Oct 14th 2014, 1:40 AM

    Francis is anti rugby and loves to slate the sport. He has no backround in any of the stuff he harps on about and anyone who believes a word out of his mouth more than likely believes Santa is real.

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    Mute Kendo90
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    Oct 13th 2014, 2:39 PM

    Ah Fer FFss

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    Mute Micheal Mhac An TSagairt
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    Oct 13th 2014, 6:12 PM

    Luke Fitzgerald,Cian Healy,Sean o’brien,Marty Moore,it’s just one significant injury after another for Leinster. Very very frustrating.

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    Mute Trevor Johnston
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    Oct 13th 2014, 6:43 PM

    All Provinces pick up injuries. Ulster without Touhy,Pienaar,Henderson,Jackson,Marshall. Every club gets its turn.

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    Mute Micheal Mhac An TSagairt
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    Oct 13th 2014, 6:50 PM

    I know… I follow Leinster…
    No province can compete against the top French teams without all their top players.

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    Mute John G Donnelly
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    Oct 13th 2014, 4:21 PM

    Andrew Warwick is a player to keep an eye on. Never disappoints and can hold up both ends of the scrum and even shift a bit in the loose.

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    Mute Donal Treacy
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    Oct 13th 2014, 5:43 PM

    Fitzpatrick has started one game for Ulster all season which was a defeat against Zebre. Archer was very impressive in the wins against Scarlets and also against Leinster. It’ll be an easy choice for Archer who would be a much better investment as he is about years younger than Fitzpatrick who is also very injury prone and constantly battles with his fitness. Very good scrummager though.

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    Mute Julien Fraysse
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    Oct 13th 2014, 10:37 PM

    White for Ireland!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Mute #Wynner
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    Oct 13th 2014, 4:37 PM

    Sh|te :(

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    Mute ScewMadd
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    Oct 13th 2014, 2:04 PM

    Who will come in on the bench lads? It’s probably between Fitzpatrick and Archer, with White an outside bet. Would any Ulster and Munster fans be willing to fill me in on their player form wise?

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    Mute Christiaan Theron
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    Oct 13th 2014, 2:47 PM

    Will be much clearer for Deccie Fitzpatrick after the Leicester game. Looking forward to him putting in a big shift.

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    Mute Donal Treacy
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    Oct 13th 2014, 5:44 PM

    Surely he wont be playing though? Herbst has started all but one game this season. Why would Doak suddenly bring him in to play Tigers.

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    Mute Christiaan Theron
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    Oct 14th 2014, 12:12 AM

    Off the bench….

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    Mute Rory Naughton
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    Oct 13th 2014, 6:10 PM

    “he’s damaged his *laburnum* now”

    Interesting to hear that Moore has damaged a small tree!

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    Mute Eamonn Gormley
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    Oct 14th 2014, 2:22 PM

    no

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