In a statement, the International Rugby League (IRL) says it plans to carry out more research before finalising its rules and will use this year's World Cup to help develop a "transwomen inclusion policy" for the future.

The International Rugby League (IRL) said in a statement on Tuesday that it needed to further consult before finalising its transgender policy

The ruling follows global swimming's decision to restrict trans athletes' participation at the elite level.

The International Rugby League (IRL) has banned transgender athletes from participating in women's sporting events. 

The sport of rugby league on Tuesday banned transgender players from women's international matches while it develops a "comprehensive inclusion policy". Its decision came a day after international swimming effectively banned transgender athletes from women's races, placing them instead in a new "open category". Rugby league authorities said they needed…