With the summer approaching and with everyone keen to get outside after a long winter, one great option for people in Co. Donegal is Touch Rugby, which begins at Letterkenny RFC on Tuesdays from May 12.
Touch Rugby, or Touch as it is more commonly known, is a fast and exciting non-contact version of rugby that is growing steadily in Ireland. The game originated in Australia in the late 1960s and it is now the No. 1 participation sport there and in New Zealand. Although it is mainly played as a social mixed sport, there is a competitive side to the game with Irish international squads from Under 15 all the way up to Over 50 competing in European Championships and World Cups. There is also a vibrant competitive club scene in Ireland. Moreover, the benefits of the game for developing rugby player’s skills, fitness, awareness of space and positioning has long been recognised in Australia and New Zealand.
Touch will take place at Letterkenny RFC throughout the summer months. It will be run by Keelan Kriel and Salim Temtem. Keelan is a native of South Africa and has been involved with Letterkenny RFC for 10 years, first as a player but also as an underage rugby coach of Under 8s up to Under 11s. He has had a strong interest in Touch since playing the game at provincial level for 4 years in South Africa for Western Province.
Salim Temtem meanwhile is a native of Paris now based in Carrigart and he is a very experienced Touch player having played internationally at over 40s and over 45s level for both Switzerland and Ireland over the last 8 years. Salim is also a qualified Level 2 referee and has also refereed extensively at international level.
Keelan’s enthusiasm for Touch is very evident.
“I am very much looking forward to Letterkenny Touch and to seeing it grow as a positive addition to the club’s activities. It provides an excellent opportunity for people to get involved in rugby in an inclusive and enjoyable environment, while also strengthening participation and community spirit within Letterkenny RFC. I believe it will be a great addition to the rugby calendar and a valuable way of bringing even more people into the club.’
Letterkenny Touch Rugby will run throughout the summer at Dave Gallaher Park (Eircode F92 FYP7) on Tuesdays from 7pm with the opening night on May 12th. All male and female players from 14 years old and above are welcome to come and play this fun new sport. No previous rugby or Touch experience is required and it is open to Letterkenny RFC members and non-members alike.
For more information see Letterkenny Touch Rugby on Facebook or contact Keelan on +353 83 8125337.