About Touch Rugby

Touch is a minimal contact sport played on a pitch half the size of a rugby field (ie. 50m x 70m). The game emphasises running, agility, passing, catching and communication. Touch is often referred to as Touch Rugby, but there is NO tackling, lineouts, scrumming or kicking involved. This makes it appealing to a wide range of ages and abilities, from juniors to masters and from slight to heavy builds.

The main aim of the game is for each team to score “touchdowns” and to prevent the opposition from scoring (One touchdown equals one point). Teams are made up of 6 players on the field at any given time, with up to 8 substitute players on the sideline. Teams are categorized into Mens, Womens and Mixed divisions (mixed = 3 male + 3 female players). Players can substitute anytime during the game and as often as they like.

Attacking players must perform a “roll ball” (between the legs) once they have been touched by a defender. Defenders must retire in a straight line 5 meters from the “roll ball” mark. After 6 touches, the possession changes to the other team for their turn at attack. Penalties are awarded for a variety of infringements including, forward pass, offside, touch-and-pass, roll-ball over the mark and over-vigorous play.”

Although not the best quality, this video shows how the game can be played…..