Touch Rugby at Oxford
17th March 2008
Touch Rugby returns to Oxford
Following a successful first season last summer, the In2Touch Oxford Touch Rugby League will be returning for more action at Oxford RFC’s North Hinksey grounds. Touch is a little known sport in England, which has an estimated 800,000 players worldwide and has it’s own World Cup. In England, playing numbers have now tipped 12,000 and the highlight of the season this year is the European Championships in Paris, which two Oxford League players will be playing in.
Touch is loosely based on Rugby League, with some big differences. This fast paced game has two teams of 6-a-side (with rolling substitutes) playing on half a rugby field, having six ‘Touches’ in which to score a touchdown. There is no kicking, scrumming or tackling, touches are to be made with minimal contact to the ball carrier, meaning that the risk of injury is minimal. The minimal contact rules allow men and women to play on the same teams, giving the sport a great social atmosphere. The game attracts people looking to get fit and try something new, as well as rugby players and ex-rugby players looking to keep up their skills without the contact side.
Last year, In2Touch launched an inaugural League, which attracted 14 teams from some of Oxford’s businesses, sports teams and groups of friends, playing in Men’s and Mixed Division. Following this success, the League will be returning in May and will run for 10 weeks, every Monday evening, starting on 19th May. Again there will be Men’s and Mixed Division, with games starting at 6:30pm. Commenting on the launch of entries to the League, Venue Manager, Paul Farrington said, ‘Following the success of the League last year, we are delighted to be returning to Oxford RFC, and hope that this summer’s league will be bigger and better than before. Touch is a great game to play through summer evenings as it is so social and also gets you fit.’
Upon entry to the League, teams will receive a set of 12 playing shirts and a team ball. They will play one 40-minute match per night, refereed by qualified referees. The Oxford RFC clubhouse is open after matches for refreshments. The League will culminate in a Finals night, with prizes for winners and runners-up.
If you have never played Touch and would like to try the game, there are social Touch sessions every Wednesday evening at Oxford RFC, from 7:30pm to 9pm, and also at South Parks, near Morrell Avenue, from 10am onwards. These sessions are a great way to learn the rules and get involved.
If you would like to enter a team into the Oxford Summer Touch League, or find out more details, visit www.in2touch.com or email paul@in2touch.com
