Introduction:

I am very fortunate to be selected to represent England in the Touch Rugby World Cup taking place in Malaysia during April 2019. After living in England for the last 16 years it is a fantastic opportunity to give something back to a country that has given myself and family so much. I initially played touch at a social level back in my homeland of New Zealand. Who would have known back in 1999 when I first met my wife who was the token Scot on the team that this is where it would lead...

Personally the forthcoming World Cup, and the European Championship in July of last year have given me an experience of playing sport at an elite level. At my age this is not an opportunity that comes along very often. I have learnt what can be achieved from a high level of commitment and training. The mindset needed has transferred into my work and family life making me a more focused, harder working individual with a recognition that improvement never stops.

However, as an amateur sport, there is limited funding and the cost falls on those involved in the sport. Any hobby/interest has costs associated but at this level the costs rise dramatically despite the best efforts of England Touch Association at keeping them down. I am looking for contributions to reduce the expenses and the financial impact on myself and family. This will put me in a position to maximise my effectiveness in this campaign, playing against the best touch players in the world. My family have given me a tremendous amount of support and have been very understanding about the financial and time commitments involved. I could not have achieved what I have without this..

In recognition of the benefits rugby and touch rugby have given me over the years I will be giving 10% of any funds on this site raised to Bhubesi Pride Foundation, whose aims are to unite African communities through rugby, empower local staff and community leaders and leave a long lasting legacy through community projects.

I understand not everyone will be able to contribute and that this is a personal campaign, not a charitable cause, but a huge thanks for reading my story. If I have done something to raise the profile of this growing sport then that is satisfaction enough.

Anything is appreciated in getting this old man to the world cup, but if you own a business, would like worldwide advertising or are feeling frivolous (or looking to reduce your tax bill) any donations over £500 result in the following benefits.

Logo on my head shot within the team rundown

Company mention and URL next to your name in the squad lists in the Malaysia 2019 section of the website

Logo on my individual kit, (provided we have the logo no later than mid-February)

There is also the possibility of sponsoring the entire team for £5000!! Contact gregg@englandtouch.org.uk if you are interested in this opportunity.

Cost Breakdown:

For the sake of transparency the breakdown of costs are listed below.

World Cup Tour Accommodation: £378

Flights to Malaysia: £520

Tournament fees (including tour levy): £575

Kit: £150

Training costs (venues): £275

Training costs (travel and accommodation): £1000

What is Touch Rugby

Touch Rugby , or TOUCH as it is becoming known, is a highly inclusive, minimal contact sport that is played throughout the world by men, women and children of all ages and skill levels. It is a fast-paced game and an ideal way to stay fit while having fun in a social environment.

Its roots can be traced back to Australia in the 1960's where it was used as a warm-up game. Currently over 300,000 people play touch in New Zealand, where it is widely attributed to the high level of basic rugby skills.

In the UK, the popularity for Touch has rapidly grown around the country, and is now widely played by more than 15,000 adults in London, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow, Bath, Newcastle and the Midlands.

Touch is a massively social sport which can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and levels. It suits those with a shared desire to keep fit in an environment where social interaction and meeting new people are also important. I myself started playing socially, and this is how I met my wife who was the solitary Scot in amongst a group of Kiwis...at the age of 27 it was the first sporting team she had ever been on and which welcomed her with open arms (her words not mine).

Teams are normally 6 a side and can be male, female, mixed, age and ability graded. The game is similar to rugby union but without the tackling, scrummaging, rucking, mauling, lineouts and kicking. This fast, simple and exciting game promotes the fundamental skills of running, handling, evasion and support play, whilst developing basic principles of attack and defence, without the fear of getting hurt. .Subsequently it is a fantastic training ground and introduction to the skills needed for rugby union.