Origin
Touch rugby is a game that had its origins as a training technique for Rugby League in the 1950's and 60's. Since then it has developed into a safe social sport as well as a training technique used to supplement regular rugby.

After passing through a developmental period during the 1960s, the game became popular during the '70s and by early in the next decade, was established in all states of Australia as a sport in its own right.  Now it is played in New Zealand, across the Pacific islands, in Great Britain, into Europe--and in the United States!

Although the skills of the game are closely allied to Rugby League and Rugby Union, all (intentional) body contact has been eliminated.  For example there are no tackles, scrums or kicking.  The emphasis is on running and agility, with hand passing and catching as key skills.

Touch is played with the aim of moving the ball towards the opponent's scoreline using a combination of passing the ball backward to teammates and running forward with the ball.  Touch is a very fast and vigorous game where fitness, speed and agility play important factors in skill development. The rugby tackle has been replaced with a simple touch by the defender, which is then followed by the play-the-ball action (a rollball).

The first official game of Touch was played in South Sydney Australia and the first competition ever held was in this same region in 1968.

Since then the game has grown exponentially into what is now an internationally recognized sport with the 4th World Cup of Touch having just been played in Sydney. The 1999 World Cup hosted 90 teams from 20 nations including teams from Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, England, South Africa, Fiji, Samoa, Japan, PNG, USA, Italy, Cook Islands, Tokaleu, Singapore, Niue, Lebanon, China and Chile. The competition included open, masters and women's divisions.

A worldwide body called the Federation of International Touch (F.I.T) now governs Touch. Touch in the US is governed by U.S.F.I.T. in conjunction with F.I.T.

Who Can Play?
Touch is a game for everyone. All ages and skill levels can enjoy this sport. There are Men, Women and Co-ed teams. It is excellent for improving fitness while having fun.

Equipment Needs 
No special equipment is required, but a white and a dark shirt are suggested, as well as a pair of nonmetal sprigs or cleats in this country. Feel like playing?  Just show up.  Bring a white shirt and a dark shirt (no telling which team you'll be on); cleats are recommended but not essential.