For those looking for a fast-paced, strategic game that demands agility and precision, touch rugby is an exciting challenge. Played at Oxford by a growing and dedicated community, it offers both high-level competition and a welcoming social atmosphere. The Oxford University Touch Rugby Club (OUTRC), established as an independent club in 2023, has swiftly gained recognition, earning Half Blue status and growing into a thriving community for players of all levels, even being named Oxford University Sport’s “Club of the Year”. 

For many, ‘touch’ is more than just a way to stay active—it is a social and inclusive sport that provides a welcome break from the academic pressures of university life. The club fosters a strong sense of belonging, with weekly training sessions that balance developing skills with an emphasis on enjoyment. Whether competing in BUCS tournaments, refining match strategies, or gathering for post-training socials at the pub, players form bonds that extend well beyond the pitch.  

To gain insight into the sport’s growing presence at Oxford, The Blue spoke to Charlie Wallace about his experiences with OUTRC, the unique appeal of touch rugby, and what it means to be part of a team that is shaping the sport’s future at the university.  

How did you get involved with touch rugby?

The OUTRC came highly recommended by friends as a friendly, mixed-gender sports team. My friends described it as fun and social, without the full-contact aspect of rugby, which captured my interest. I decided to go to a Freshers’ Week taster session. My first impressions of the club exceeded my expectations and shortly after, touch rugby became a regular commitment of mine, helping me to escape the stress of Oxford, and make new friends near the end of my degree. 

What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A typical week can be as relaxed or jam-packed as you want to make it. I make it a priority to go to both the main whole squad (mixed-gender) training sessions on Friday evening and Sunday morning at least. But within a normal week of touch rugby, you can expect the following:

  • Tuesday (7-8 a.m): Early morning fitness sessions.
  • Wednesday (2-3.30 p.m): Afternoon high-performance training, followed by an evening social.
  • Thursday (2-3 p.m): Afternoon alternating men’s/women’s training. 
  • Friday (6-8.30 p.m): Evening training, followed by a social at the pub. 
  • Saturday (all-day): Competitions and games (Town vs. Gown, BUCS regionals and nationals, etc.).
  • Sunday (10.30 a.m-12.30 p.m): Morning training. 

Depending on the week, there are additional sessions to discuss game strategy or meet with a sports psychologist; both important for your development as a player.

Training usually involves a mixture of fun warm-up games, attacking/defensive drills, and gameplay, which I really enjoy, as the student-based coaching makes sessions a perfect balance between social engagement, and training to be competitive for future fixtures.

What do you think sets rugby at the OUTRC apart from other sports at university (namely rugby union or league)? What misconceptions do people have about touch rugby as a sport?

Touch rugby is a fast-paced sport, an excellent opportunity to keep fit without having to exercise alone, and it’s very accessible for beginners. Carrying out intricate attacking and defensive plays requires speed, agility, and quick decision-making. Teamwork is the most important in setting touch rugby apart from other sports, with not one player outshining another.

What are the key qualities that you look for in a player? What sort of person do you think would enjoy playing?

The most important qualities for a touch rugby player are game awareness and communication—being able to support your teammates, read the opposition, and communicate game strategies in real time, which leads to more effective defensive and attacking plays. 

A person who loves fast-paced team sports would make a perfect addition to the club. It’s both a social, and competitive environment that allows you to try rugby in a less physically demanding way.

Do you have any traditions or bonding activities that the team does to build camaraderie?

To build camaraderie every Friday during training, two people get selected as teammate of the week, and are awarded a drink and pizza at the pub afterwards!

What’s your favourite memory or match from your time with the team so far?

My favourite memory of touch rugby at Oxford was being able to implement strategies learnt in training to win the last two games at the most recent BUCS regional touch rugby competition. Competitions provide an excellent opportunity to improve throughout the day and as a result, we beat Oxford Brookes (3-2) despite a loss earlier that day (7-0). High spirits and teamwork can lead to having fun, and winning games in a social, yet competitive way!

As touch rugby continues to grow in popularity at Oxford, the OUTRC provides a lively environment for students to challenge themselves, stay active, and build lasting friendships. Whether you’re drawn in by the fast-paced nature of the game, the emphasis on teamwork, or the welcoming atmosphere, everyone can enjoy the competition and community that touch rugby provides. With the club’s rapid rise and continued success, its future looks bright—offering even more students the chance to experience the unique appeal of touch rugby!