Two Trans Women Banned from Netball League After Knocking down a Female Rival

Two transgender women have been banned from participating in a local Australian netball competition after a rival team threatened to boycott any matches involving them.

The decision came shortly after a video went viral, showing one of the trans women knocking an opposing player to the ground during a game. The player, identified as Manawa Aranui—who previously played men’s netball at an elite level before transitioning—was seen helping the rival player back to her feet after the collision.

The Riddell District Netball Football League (RDFNL) in Victoria announced the ban on Wednesday, stating that the two trans women from the Melton Central team would not be allowed to compete for the remainder of the 2025 season.

In a formal statement, the league said: “After lengthy consideration and consultation, the RDFNL has ruled that the two transgender participants be excluded from the RDFNL Netball Competitions for the remainder of the 2025 season on the premise that both participants exhibit superior, stamina and physique over their competitors deeming Section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act relevant”

Netball Victoria has confirmed that it is launching an independent investigation into the matter. An external expert will be brought in to evaluate the concerns raised by several players and clubs.