PERSHORE Rugby’s Third Age Touch (3AT) squad showed that age and physical challenges won’t stop people from playing the sport at a demonstration match in front of an elite audience.
The squad, which is comprised of men and women, had the demo match in front of more than 1500 elite players from 17 international teams at the five-day European Touch Championships (ETA) at Nottingham University earlier this month.
The team played with slightly amended rules that took into consideration differing levels of ability and fitness.
Following the Pershore 3AT’s guest appearance at the tournament, many European players said they saw the potential for the idea to catch on in their countries.
The 18-strong mixed squad were joined for their demo match by England Touch CEO Chris Simon and England 7s star Lauren Torley, who was recently part of the Commonwealth Games.
An elderly former Australian player who was watching decided to join in with the match.
The ETA spotted the newly formed 3AT’s potential during a visit to Pershore Rugby in April, where they produced an online video promoting the scheme to other clubs across Britain.
David James, 78, who is the founder of 3AT in Pershore said: “Playing a demo match at the European Championships was an incredible experience for us all.
“It was our first away match and there were matches on the go on 11 pitches and we were the guests for the day.”
The sport is a variation of rugby league where tackling is replaced by a touch.
The 3AT was started by Pershore Rugby’s touch section last September and trains at the clubs’ Piddle Park grounds every Wednesday at 11am.
They use the same fundamental rules of international touch, mostly running during the games but at a pace to suit those playing.
The club offers the first three taster sessions for free, with 3AT then £3 a month and adult touch costing £7 a month.
Call David James on 07506 987 129 for more information on 3AT.
