Warm sunlight, turf, friends' chatting, lively music, beers, BBQ, bread, laughter, kids playing and bizarre jerseys … these were just some of the sights to enjoy at an outdoor party of the first ever touch rugby tournament in Guangzhou, China, last Saturday (November 10).
The Rams (in red) play against the Utahloy School (in green). [More photos]
The event involved "almost all the Chinese and foreign rugby lovers in the city, except for the players of Army Sports Institute", said Vicky Wen, secretary of Guangzhou-based Rams Rugby Club, the tournaments organizer.
Twelve teams - eight international, two Chinese universities from Guangzhou and two from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, participated in the half-day competition at the soccer pitch of Guangzhou Vocational Sports School. The international teams included the Rams Club, Australian Consulate, the French and Utahloy School.
Pocari Team prepare for the coming final. [More photos]
Each team fielded mixed teams of four men and two women, with four substitutes. Matches were tight and good natured, though with a few with hassles thrown in off course. "The tournament is aimed at rugby lovers wanting to experience and learn in matches and improve their skills and interaction," Vicky said, and added that they are, “gonna organize more competitions in the future."
Brits, Canadians, Aussies, Frenchmen, Americans, Chinese and Japanese ran and chased around the pitch while others had fun with their families and friends. "Everybody is enjoying the tournament, and it is really nice to have those with a common interest gather, socialize and play together," said Vicky with a smile.
The Rams players have fun with their families. [More photos]
A Rams player has fun with a kid (left) and a French and a Pocari players dance, sing and cheer by the pitch (right). [More photos]
Many members of the Rams Club, the leading rugby organization in Guangzhou, were found in different teams, as well as students and graduates of South China Agriculture University, the cradle of the sport in Guangdong.
The weekend tournament was supported by Pocari Sweat, who teamed up strong players and won the trophy by beating Komodo.
After the tournament players went to a pub in Tianhe for an award party and continued having fun.
A Pocari player (left) breaks the defence of Komodo in the Cup Final. [More photos]
About Touch Rugby
Starting in Australia in the 1960's, touch rugby is a fast moving, minimal contact, evasive game that is played throughout the world by men and women of all ages and skill levels.
The game is similar to rugby but without the tackling, scrumming, rucking, mauling, line outs and kicking. This game promotes the fundamental skills of running, handling, evasion and support play, whilst developing basis principles of attack and defence, without the fear of getting hurt.
The Cup champions Pocari (in white) and the runners-up Komodo (in dark blue) celebrate together after the final. [More photos]
About Guangzhou Rams Rugby Club
The club provides a sporting outlet for some of Guangzhou's ex-pat population. The origins of the club can be traced back to 1996/97. A couple of expats (Scott and Willie) began to help with the coaching of local university students at SCAU (South China Agriculture University). From these humble beginnings the idea of a rugby club began to develop. Word spread, attracting more and more people and regular touch rugby games started up on Sundays.
The Rams Club held their ten-year anniversary competition this March.
[Click here to read the exclusive story about the club]
[More Guangzhou News]
(Written by Ronald Li, Shanna Chu and Alan Devey, and photogrphed by Ronald Li and Shanna Chu)
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