Lots of fun was had at the touch rugby festival at Harwich

SETTING up a touch rugby tournament for local pubs or businesses may not seem the obvious path to the home of rugby.

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But the ingenuity shown by both Woodbridge and Harwich & Dovercourt rugby clubs has been celebrated with a place at Twickenham.

The duo, as well as Wymondham to complete a unique hat-trick for Eastern Counties rugby, all competed in the National O2 Touch Finals Day at Twickenham.

While Woodbridge helped their local pubs set up touch rugby sessions on a Sunday afternoon, their counterparts at Harwich & Dovercourt preferred to run a Friday night festival which included a wacky theme for each business to take part in.

Karen Fletcher, member of the Woodbridge touch Twickenham squad, said: “It started as a fun bit of exercise on a Sunday afternoon.

“But it has grown fast to become a regular entertainment for supporters as well as sparking friendly rivalry amongst the pubs of Woodbridge. We never imagined it would give 10 of us the chance to play on the hallowed turf.”

And Sean Mills, captain of Harwich, explained: “We wanted to get people into rugby who hadn’t played the sport before as well as those who weren’t involved anymore.

“We held a tough rugby tournament in June that was so successful that we did it again in July and August. Going to Twickenham is just reward for everyone who made it such a success.”

Touch rugby is proving to be an ideal way of introducing new players, both men and women, to rugby union.

It also helps injured players convalesce from their injuries while also accommodating players not wishing to get involved in the physical aspect of the 15-a-side game.

Lee Adamson, the RFU’s Eastern Counties rugby development officer, said: “We embraced the idea that touch rugby would provide a real benefit to our clubs and we’ve encouraged all of our clubs to take part.

“What has surprised organisers is just how many people have been keen and enthusiastic about playing.”

John Winders, community rugby chairman for Eastern Counties Rugby Union, added: “This is a magnificent achievement that reflects the dynamic spirit of the community game in the Eastern Counties.”