Ease those summer rugby withdrawl symptoms [UPDATED]

There are plans afoot to start a summer touch rugby "league" at the club.

Chances are it will be an adult competition (probably age 16+) but that would still make it relevent to a sizable number of you.

Summer "Touch" is growing in popularity across the country, often pulling in people who would not normally play contact as well as giving winter rugby players something to do in the summer months. In fact, bizarre though this may seem to those of us who saw it as little more than a playground game, its actually now an international sport!

Anyway one standard rule for competitive "Touch" is that is that teams invariably have to have a minimum number of female players (normally at least two out of seven) which means that some of you could find yourselves becoming quite remarkably popular in the next few weeks.

If this comes to pass I say - "make the most of it". Maybe do a deal on, say, coaching next season ("I'll play for you if you come and give us some coaching next season"). See if anyone will offer sponsorship for next year's girls' tour. That kind of thing.

Seriously though we should get an announcement about this in the next week or two.

In the meanwhile - and as an indication about quite how serious this is all being taken - this summer the 12 Premiership clubs - including Saracens - have joined together to organise the "Mixed Premiership National Touch Cup" - with a final at Twickenham!

Old Albanians RFC will host a Saracens Mixed Touch League and provide an opportunity for all local players to take part and be in with a chance of making the final which will be played at Twickenham during the Middlesex sevens or London Double Header. Teams will compete over an eight week period to battle it out for a place at Twickenham. Squads will consist of up to 10-14 players of which six will play at any one time with at least two women on the pitch at all times.

This league is scheduled to start Wednesday 23rd May and will run through till July 11th where in the final week the Saracens Touch League Champions will be crowned. Obviously this will represent some challenges when it comes to travel - and it also starts before our season finishes (23rd May will be the last training session before the National 7s).

Saracens and touchrugby.co.uk have also organised a TRY IT session, this will take place in the week leading up to the first evening of the competition and is an opportunity to gain an understanding of the rules, regulations and game play under the guidance of TouchRugby.co.uk and Saracens staff. This is not a compulsory part of package but is recommended for new players to the game and is at no extra cost to you.

If you are interested in entering a team in this year’s league or require further information please visit www.touchrugby.co.uk or contact richardgregg@saracens.net

The league is for those over 16 years of age - so the top couple of years of the U17 band could take part.

More information from Richard Gregg, Saracens Rugby Development Officer (01923 204602)