Record year for International Touch in Europe

In total, the three summer events featured teams from 17 nations (plus European select teams), this included a debut for newcomers Ukraine and Portugal’s first entry into the junior category.

Overall, 99 teams took part in 21 categories of competition across the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup (9), the European Seniors Touch Cup (9) and the European Opens Touch Cup (3). In total, 372 matches were played across 9 days of competition.

A total of 57 medal positions were up for grabs, with England taking home the majority (22). The remaining medals were shared amongst France, South Africa, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Switzerland, Italy, and Belgium.

The Atlantic Youth Touch Cup kicked off the season, taking place in Limerick, with young athletes showcasing their talent and many high-stake matches coming down to the final moments of the game. Next, came the European Seniors Touch Cup in Stirling, which brought together experienced players who demonstrated an array of talent, skill, and collaboration. The season concluded in style with the European Opens Touch Cup in Calvisano, Italy, where elite opens teams battled it out in a dramatic ending to the season. Across all three events, the quality of competition reached unprecedented levels, with fast-paced matches, excellence, and lasting memories both on and off the field.

The success of summer touch in Europe however can’t just be measured by scores and medals - it was the atmosphere that made the events unforgettable. Record numbers of spectators gathered to support family, friends, and their nations. The inclusion of new sides, like Ukraine, and milestone moments such as Portugal’s entry into the youth event, further added to the feeling that this summer was something truly special. Not just for players, but for the entire European Touch community.

This has generated a sense of excitement for the future of European touch. As the international governing body, we hope to keep this forward momentum as we move into 2026. We have received over 100 expressions of interest for the European Touch Championships in Vichy in July next year and are expecting record numbers for the equivalent youth event, recently awarded to England Touch.

Conditions of Entry and further details will be shared with National Touch Organisations for both events very shortly.

Bring on 2026!