Staying in Touch

Usually my posts relating to touch rugby are limited to a few musings during the summer months of May to July when I gambol around the playing fields of Chesham, attempting and (more often than not) failing to recapture my lost youth.

Well, you will be pleased to know that this state of affairs may be about to change.

Having played in a social touch league every summer since 2006 (barring the Covid-stricken 2020 season and a sciatica-stricken 2014), I have often considered trying to find somewhere to continue to play post-July and, with my son having finished age-grade rugby (meaning no coaching for me this year), I have finally done something about it.

August and September have therefore seen me turning out in a social mixed touch league in Regent’s Park, London, playing for the Regent’s Renegades and comfortably being the oldest player participating. Meeting and playing with new people in a fun environment has been great (despite the hour plus journey to get there) and the short, six-week season finished last week with my team finishing second in its pool, earning me an unexpected runners-up medal (ever the bridesmaid, ‘twas ever thus).

So, now what?

The answer is, quite possibly, Saracens Touch Rugby – an over 35s touch team (for which, at just turned 57, I just about qualify) with whom I trained for the first time yesterday evening. What was absolutely clear was (a) despite my recent efforts I am nowhere near fit enough and (b) despite years playing the sport I still have much to learn. 

Still, great fun, a good start and – let’s face it – what else am I going to do of a Wednesday evening?

Total Flanker – the older I get, the better I was