Eastern Counties Rugby Union

The European Championships were held at Swansea University from 4th – 10th August. 16 nations, 52 teams and 72 international referees participated. The teams competed at U18 mixed, mixed, men’s open, women’s open, over 30, senior mixed, over 35, women’s 27 and over 40 categories. After nearly a decade of Championships, Touch Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

Anna Goddard and Hannah Murphy from Newmarket Rugby Club and Cambridge Touch were part of the 16-player strong England U18 mixed squad.

This was the inaugural European Championships for U18 mixed team which saw two days of pool matches where England lost only to Ireland to finish top of the table and number one seeds leading into the knock out phase. England met Ireland again in the semi-final; a tense affair but England were one score ahead on the final whistle, 6-5. The final saw England play Wales, a team who England had beaten twice in the pool stages. Despite the efforts of the team, Wales kept their best play until last and finished overall winners 6-3.

Nick Goddard
E.C U18's Lead Coach