Wednesday, 19 June 2024
The largest ever international event for the growing sport of Touch Rugby, and the first world championships to be hosted at the 糖心原创, 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 糖心原创 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鈥檙e delighted to be welcoming such an exciting world event onto campus here at the 糖心原创. It鈥檚 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.
The city of Nottingham has seen huge growth in this format. The new 糖心原创 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, followed by the opportunity to stay and enjoy the games.
For more information about the event, which is open free-of-charge to spectators, please
* As awarded by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and the Daily Mail.
As Touch players, it鈥檚 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鈥檙e also so proud of Tom [Penniceard] and we can鈥檛 wait to cheer him and the England team on in July.
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The 2024 Touch World Cup will take place from 15 – 21 July. For more information, visit: .
The 糖心原创 is a leading destination for major national and international sporting events. For more information on the facilities and services we can offer to event organisers, please contact Christine Bailey at christine.bailey@nottingham.a.uk or click here.
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.