Competitive Touch

Touch is a game that can be played at all levels, from a fun throw-about in the park with friends right up to international competitions. This page lists the tournament pathway to international level in Wales.

Wales Touch Series

The Wales Touch Series (WTS) takes place every year during the summer months, and brings together the best teams in Wales. It typically takes place over four weekend tournaments, two of which feature separate men's and women's teams, and two which feature mixed teams.

Wales Touch Nationals

Each year in Wales, typically in September, near the end of the season, the Wales Touch Association runs the "Touch Nationals", in which regional teams compete. There are six regions in Wales. The North Wales region is called the "North Wales Rangers", named for the mountain ranges in Snowdonia. This competition is a great showcase of the best of touch in Wales and is a great window for the national coaches to pick the best players for the international scene.

National Squads

The national squads for Wales are split into several categories. These are:

Junior: boys, girls and mixed teams for under 18 years old.
Open: men's, women's and mixed open teams.
Age Grades: men's, women's and mixed teams for Over 30s, Over 35s, Over 40s and Over 45s.

European Championships

The European Championships (aka "Touch Euros") is held ever other year, and invites teams from across Europe to compete. Unlike in other codes of rugby, Touch is widely played across Europe, and regularly includes teams from Germany, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Spain and many other countries. The 2016 Euros were held in Jersey. The 2018 Euros will take place in Nottingham, UK in July.

World Cup

The Touch World Cup takes place every four years and includes teams from all over the world, including Japan, Malaysia, Chile, Phillipines, Netherlands, USA, The Middle East, as well as the more well known teams from Australia, New Zealand, Wales, England, France, etc... The 2015 World Cup was held in Coffs Harbour, Australia. The 2019 World Cup will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The video below shows the highlights of the 2015 World Cup Final in the mixed division, between New Zealand and Australia. Notice how fast the game is at the highest level!