Thu. Dec 5th, 2024

University of Limerick to welcome over 30 International teams for 2025 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup

ByCatherine Duggan

Friday, 8 November 2024, 9:52 , ,
Picture: Irish Rugby
The University of Limerick welcomes youth teams from Europe, South Africa, and the USA to the country’s largest-ever international Touch Rugby tournament 

The Federation of International Touch (FIT) has chosen the University of Limerick as the host venue for the 2025 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup.
This international competition features a range of underage groups from Under 15 up to Under 20.  

The tournament is set to take place from July 31 to August 3, 2025, at the University of Limerick.  

With well over thirty teams travelling from across Europe, South Africa and the USA, the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup will be the largest international Touch Rugby tournament ever held in Ireland. UL has previously hosted the Tag Rugby World Cup in 2023.  

Touch rugby is a fast-paced, non-contact version of rugby played with six players per side. The game focuses on touch instead of tackle, making it a safer game and more accessible to a wider age range. The sport is popular in countries like Australia and New Zealand, and it’s recognized as a valuable training tool for developing rugby players.  

The game is governed by the Ireland Touch Association, with the local Munster Touch Rugby team playing in Parteen outside the city.  

The ITA are looking for players for the following grades: 

  • Mixed Under 15 – Players born 2010 – 2012 
  • Mixed Under 18 – Players born 2007 – 2009 
  • Mixed Under 20 – Players born 2005 – 2007 
  • Boy’s Under 18 
  • Girl’s Under 18 
  • Boy’s Under 20 
  • Girl’s Under 20 

Parents are encouraged to volunteer and can do so through the following link: https://forms.gle/eEQRqqTam842RR7U6 

ITA Director Michelle Mulcahy, thrilled with the news said: “I’m so delighted to be selected to host this event in Limerick. We want to share our Irish hospitality to all the teams that will travel from across Europe, South Africa and the USA. It’s a great opportunity to showcase Ireland, especially the Wild Atlantic Way, to the nations that will travel to the event.

As a growing sport in Ireland, we in the ITA are so proud to be selected to host this event with some of our most talented juniors partaking from across Ireland. Personally, I’m really looking forward to giving all teams an Irish welcome and give all athletes a great experience in Limerick. It will be the highlight of the summer.”