Teams named for 2023 European Touch Championships

The England Touch Association has named the 13 teams which will travel to Vichy for the 2023 European Touch Championships in August.

This represents a record squad for England, which retained the overall European title in 2022’s showcase in Nottingham, winning seven Gold medals and a further two Silver medals. Indeed it is a record number for any National Touch Organisation at a major international tournament.

There are a number of firsts this year, not least the introduction of a Womens 40 competition ahead of next year’s World Cup. England has two teams in this category, representing both the growth and depth of Touch which has developed in recent years.

Each squad has players making their debut at international level, and three coaches will also be leading teams for the first time at a European Touch Championships – Samantha Powles (Mens 35), Renee Watson (Womens 40) and Kat Springer (Womens 40 Lions).

In all 256 players have been named, including non-travelling reserves, and 49 clubs are represented from as far afield as Canterbury, Exeter and Newcastle.

This is the first overseas European Touch Championships since Jersey 2016, and High Performance Director, Ben Powell, says August’s event will be a memorable experience for all involved.

“We are very excited about the 2023 European Touch Championships as we look to build on the unprecedented successes of 2022,” he commented. “We have once again shown growth, not just in taking 13 teams to France, but, more holistically, our preparation and training has hit new heights.

“While our focus is very much on taking home the many European Titles available in Vichy, we are using this tournament to prepare ourselves for the 2024 Touch World Cup.

“As ever, the High Performance Panel, the coaching teams, the team managers, the medical team and the mental skills coaches have been crucial in managing the challenges of having the 208 athletes and 70-plus staff travelling to France. A big thank you to all involved.

“Thank you also to the athletes. This has been a challenging and rewarding season already which has all been possible due to your commitment, enthusiasm and desire to push yourselves - good luck in Vichy!”

CLICK HERE to see the full team lists

Mens Open – Belgium, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Wales

Womens Open – Belgium, England, France, Germany, Scotland, Wales

Mixed Open – England, France, Guernsey, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Wales

Womens 27 – England, France, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Wales, England 35

Mens 30 – England, France, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Wales, England 35

Mixed 30 – England, France, Germany, Italy, Scotland, Wales

Womens 40 – England, Scotland, England Lions, Eurostars

Mens 40 – England, France, Scotland, Spain, Wales

Mens 45 – England, France, Italy, Scotland, Switzerland, Wales

Mens 50 – England, France, Wales