Touch me: Tab tries touch rugby

Boys, didn’t fancy EURFC or EURL but still want to dominate the ledge safe in the knowledge that you’re still a rugger lad?

Girls, want to play alongside attractive males and need an opportunity to swagger around in stash?

Exeter University Touch Rugby Club (EUTRC) is probably the answer.

In action

Started by Harry Grocott last March, EUTRC has grown hugely. Originally only 20 members, there are now over 100.

Club captain Harry was inspired by playing and coaching the sport in Abu Dhabi during his Gap Yah.

We went along to their Sunday training session overseen by England Touch coach Ben Powell and chatted to him about the club.

Rigdiculous.

What comments would you make on the level of play you’ve seen here at Exeter?

I’ve seen excellent core skills, but what’s more important to me is the level of enthusiasm everyone has, it made my trip down here very worthwhile.

The organisation by the committee is also pretty outstanding considering how big the club has grown when it was only started last year.

What do you think makes touch rugby stand out when compared to other sports?

It’s the only sport played at an international level with a mixed division, which i think makes it very accessible.

In New Zealand it’s the biggest sport played by girls under the age of 18, with 6 million people playing in total. In Australia it’s played by about 7 million.

England rugby union captain Chris Robshaw himself has endorsed the club, congratulating the girls team on their success at a tournament in Bristol:

We also grabbed Harry for a quick chat.

What was your reaction to the amount of success the club has had?

We’re all really chuffed at how much interest there’s been! When we laid on this year’s taster session we only planned for about 40 people, but 77 turned up.

What’s the future for EUTRC?

Our goal is to get touch rugby into BUCS in two years and to continue expanding the club.

Since we’re not yet in BUCS we’re holding about 3 tournaments a term, playing unis like Bristol, Bath, Plymouth and Southampton, in term 2 we’re planning to host a tournament involving 10 unis.

Club captain Harry 2nd from the left, England coach Ben 3rd form the left.

Membership for a whole year’s training is £60, while social membership is £10.

Socials are held every fortnight on Mondays at Timepiece and yes, alcoholic beverages are consumed (not compulsory).

Social Secs Tom Lewis and Jamie Daniel assured The Tab that socials are eel-free.