Touch rugby gripping the capital

7:26am Sunday 1st June 2008

Whether you are new to Touch Rugby or looking for a good way to stay fit during the break from your 15-a-side season, summer is the time to get involved, writes Hugh Godwin.

The fast-growing sport of Touch Rugby has more than 12,000 players in England and nine leagues in London alone.

Jeremy How is president of the England Touch Association and also an England representative at the sport. "It's a pretty simple sport to play," said How, "with teams of six players on each side and minimal contact which is the key.

"The biggest league in the UK is running in Regent's Park with 144 teams playing in it each week. But all the leagues are well organised with referees, and whatever your level and experience of rugby, Touch can be picked up quickly."

London venues include Clapham Common, Surrey Quays, Regent's Park, Wandsworth Astro, Wimbledon, Twickenham and Putney's King George's Park which is where the National Touch Series will be held when it comes to London on June 28. And there are new women's and mixed leagues at Barnet Elizabethans RFC.

There are separate men's and women's leagues but Touch is one of the few team sports where men and women compete on teams together not only socially but at an international level, and How says that is why Touch Rugby appeals to all-comers.

"The mixed aspect is the most important thing," he said. "In the leagues all around London there is a genuine mix of the genders. There's been a successful programme in Southwark and another in Regent's Park in which children are sticking with Touch through their teenage years. It's huge for adults and children in New Zealand while Australia is experiencing the same growth now.

"You have six touches in which to move the ball up the field and score a try, and that is a different dynamic to the 15-a-side game. That makes it attractive to a much wider group of people.

"Having said that, of course, I played as a hooker at school and my passing skills were not quite there and that's something I've had to work on. Awareness of space and passing of the ball are elements you have to be aware of and they will help you in the 15-a-side game."

To find your nearest venue and get involved in a great way to meet people and stay fit go to www.englandtouch.org.uk and click on Where to Play.