University of Nottingham to Host Largest Touch World Cup in History Next Month
The largest ever international event for the growing sport of Touch Rugby, and the first world championships to be hosted at the University of Nottingham, will kick off next month.
The 10th edition of the tournament will be hosted in England for the first time by the 2024 Sporting University of the Year*. Running from 15–21 July, more than 1,000 fixtures will take place across Highfields and Riverside sports complexes with a dedicated athlete village at University Park. It is also set to be the greenest ever World Touch event with sustainability a key driver in the competition set up.
More than 190 teams will be taking part across 13 categories, with 39 different nations represented and in excess of 4,000 spectators expected to head to Nottingham to enjoy the atmosphere. Hot favourites to take the title in the Open categories (Men, Women and Mixed) are southern hemisphere sides New Zealand and defending champions Australia.
Buoyed by recent results, the England teams will also be looking to make the most of their home advantage. Representing them will be University of Nottingham student Tom Penniceard, who straight after finishing his first year of his BEng in Product Design and Manufacture joins the England camp for their pre-World cup preparations. Tom will be the youngest member of the 16-member English Men’s Open squad and makes the jump from the England U20s, after impressing at recent training camps.
A fast-paced, non-contact version of rugby, Touch is fast growing in popularity across the world. After a touch, the attacking player must roll the ball backward with their foot to initiate play. Each team is allowed six touches to try and score a try. After six touches, the referee will signal a turnover.
We’re delighted to be welcoming such an exciting world event onto campus here at the University of Nottingham. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to watch, and be inspired by, global top athletes. We look forward to welcoming all the competitors and ensuring they have an enjoyable and memorable stay here with us in Nottingham.
Dan Tilley, Director of Sport
The city of Nottingham has seen huge growth in this format. The new University of Nottingham Touch Rugby Club, led by students, offers an inclusive and welcoming environment with sessions for all abilities and experience levels. They have excelled competitively placing 4th in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) rankings in their first season. Several of these club members will also be joining an army of over 250 volunteers supporting the World Touch championships, fulfilling roles in events, marketing and physiotherapy.
Local schools can also join the fun from 16 -19 July with free taster sessions organised by England Touch, followed by the opportunity to stay and enjoy the games.
As Touch players, it’s an incredible opportunity to have such a prestigious event at our home venue. Not just to be able to watch the top players in action, but also for our members to gain experience volunteering at a major international competition. We’re also so proud of Tom [Penniceard] and we can’t wait to cheer him and the England team on in July.
Hannah McLaughlin President, UoN Touch