Touch rugby growing in popularity, even among women

The attacker (in green) has to stop the ball and roll over to her teammate after being touched by the defender.SAMUEL ONG / THE STAR, 1ST NOVEMBER 2014.

MENTION rugby and the first impression would be about the physical contact involved. However, that is not the case with Touch Rugby.

While some of the rules of rugby still apply, one only needs to touch an opponent to stop them in their tracks.

This is what the Kuala Lumpur Touch Rugby group is trying to promote while having their 20th Year Reunion Tournament, a friendly match against like-minded people who love the sport.

Group member Simon P. Whitelaw said the game suited participants from all walks of life.

Two players rushing to get the ball.

“The game incorporates some of the rugby concepts but the sport does not involve hard tackles, thus, it is suitable for the young and old, and even women.

“We have been playing the game every Saturday and the Reunion Tournament is an inaugural event to gather the players together,” he said.

More than 50 players turned up at the event, forming teams to play against each other.

The aim of Touch Rugby is to score by landing the ball on the opposition’s score line.

One has to pass the ball backwards and there is no kicking involved.

A player trying to pass the ball to his teammates.

To stop the attacking team from scoring, the defending players must touch the player with the ball.

The ball will roll over to the other attacking players and after five touches, the ball is handed over to the defending team.

Whitelaw said Kuala Lumpur will host the 2019 Federation of International Touch (FIT) World Cup.

An attacker trying to avoid being touched by the defending team (right).

“The game is picking up fast in Malaysia.

“Two years ago we only had 100 people joining us but now, we have 240 people in our membership list.

“It is also an honour for Malaysia to host the World Cup in 2019,” he said.