Dubai: UAE side Playin’ Up beat Goodfellas 4-1 to win the men’s title of the Middle East Touch Rugby Championship for a third successive year at Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club on Friday.
London Galaxy won the women’s tournament while mixed honours went to Thunderbolts and the veteran’s category went to ME Fit Pro.
In all 34 teams from across the GCC and the UK took part in the tournament, which for the first time opened itself up not only to social players but also elite and youth players as well.
Guest appearances from Australian international Dylan Hennessey and New Zealand International Peter Walters helped the tournament reach a new level as they took part with respective sides Thunderbolts and Galaxy Worldwide.
With a new Centre of Excellence for Touch in Dubai and the number of touch grassroots’ programmes in Abu Dhabi doubling over the past year it was only fitting to see a youth tournament incorporated for the first time.
John Larkins, the founder of Middle East Touch said: “This year’s tournament has been outstanding — the level of competition has been fantastic, proving there’s huge appetite for the game in the Middle East and really justifying our focus on grassroots programmes. By focusing on junior and youth development in schools, we can get more and more pupils interested in the game.
“I’m astounded each year by the support this tournament receives, not only from the players and referees, but the families and friends as well who come along to soak up the atmosphere and see what touch is all about. Having the support of Dylan and Peter this year was the icing on the cake. I know their passion for the game rubbed off on everyone here today, and I’m confident they’ll come again to help me take the sport to the next level in the UAE.”
