The IRFU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ireland Touch Association (ITA).
The two bodies will work closely together to develop the game of Touch Rugby in Ireland. In 2023, the two bodies collaborated to develop a suite of educational resources on Touch Rugby.
The IRFU is committed to offering choice to participants and this partnership will further strengthen its ability to deliver a quality non-contact form of the game.
In the recent State of the Game survey, 30% of people surveyed said they wanted to take part in Non-Contact forms of the game.
Currently, qualified coaches from the ITA are training staff in the four Provinces to deliver Touch Rugby modules in Clubs, Schools and 3rd level institutions.
“We are delighted to continue working with the Ireland Touch Association,” said David Keane, IRFU National Rugby Development Manager.
“We have had a very good relationship for a number of years and have collaborated on a number of projects together. This partnership will allow us to continue offering quality education to our stakeholders and grow the game of Touch Rugby in Ireland.”
“The Ireland Touch (rugby) Association (ITA) is delighted to extend our formal partnership with the IRFU to expand the non-contact form of the game in Ireland,” added Aidan Sweeney, President Ireland Touch Association.
“The ITA is happy that our sport is part of the IRFU’s new inclusion policy that supports non-contact rugby. The IRFU and ITA are seeking to promote a form of rugby that is more inclusive, so that gender, age and disability can be accommodated in clubs, colleges and schools in all of Ireland.”
“The Partnership will be of great mutual benefit by increasing active members in rugby clubs as well as increasing the participation levels of touch players playing this exciting, skilful form of rugby.”
“The sport can be played at all levels from novice social club games right through to the elite international teams. Age, gender and ability are not an obstacle to participation. All that is needed in a willingness to join in.”
