And they’re off!
Touch Rugby has become a central part of life here at Active Iron. Tania Rosser presented us with the opportunity to become a sponsor for the ‘Mixed 30s’ squad and we are delighted to support them on their journey to gold.
Tania is a passionate advocate of the benefits of Touch as a standalone game but also as a means of developing skills that are vital in 7s and 15s rugby.
In the Mixed 30s squad heading to Malaysia are current Ireland centre Sene Naoupu and Grand Slam-winning midfielder Lynne Cantwell, while Billy Ngawini – who had a spell with Leinster – is a player/coach too.
Ireland are sending more than 100 players to the World Cup, with four other teams – Open Mixed, Open Men’s, Men’s 40s and Men’s 50s.
At Active Iron, we were delighted to support an Irish team where the female players take up playmaking roles, this was a key aspect of Ireland’s Mixed 30s winning the European Championships last year, beating England in the final.
The Ireland Touch Association say there are more than 500 adults playing Touch competitively in Ireland at present, with eight clubs in Leinster, four in Connacht and two in Belfast.
There are also senior social leagues around the country catering to around 1,200 players, while a Transition Year programme in seven Dublin schools caters to more than 500 youngsters.
It’s a shame to see such an inclusive sport, with clear benefits for any gender, lack national support. You can support them here or tune in below as they take on Japan on April 29th.