Sunday’s Well Rugby Club brings touch rugby to Cork

A rugby club is breaking new ground by bringing touch rugby to Cork for the first time, opening up the fast-paced, non-contact version of the game to men and women of all abilities.

Sunday’s Well RFC, one of Munster’s most progressive and inclusive rugby clubs, launched its new touch rugby programme on Friday, September 11, adding another option for people looking to get involved in the sport.

The club already caters for players from under-six level through to adult rugby, with teams for boys, girls, men and women. It is also home to the Sunday’s Well Rebels, Ireland’s first mixed-ability rugby team, which continues to go from strength to strength.

The introduction of touch rugby is the latest development in the club’s efforts to make rugby accessible to as many people as possible.

Sunday’s Well is now just the 12th formal touch rugby club in Ireland.

Touch rugby, commonly known simply as ‘touch’, is a quick and energetic form of rugby where tackling is replaced by a touch. The emphasis is on enjoyment, fitness, teamwork and developing rugby skills, making it an accessible way for people to get involved regardless of their previous experience.

Sunday’s Well RFC chairperson Dave Egar said the new initiative was another important step for the club.

“Launching touch rugby is another important step in making Sunday’s Well a club where there is a genuine form of rugby for everyone, alongside all our men’s, women’s and mixed-ability teams,” he said.

“It provides a fun, social and accessible way for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the game.”

Sessions take place every Friday at 7.30pm at the club’s Ballyphehane grounds and are being led by experienced coach Kelsi McGrath.

McGrath played rugby at provincial level in South Africa and has considerable experience in touch rugby, having coached the Ireland Women’s Open team at the 2024 Touch World Cup before playing with the side at the 2026 World Championships.

Touch rugby is open to males and females aged 14 and upwards, with players in their 60s and beyond also welcome. No previous experience is required and new players are encouraged to come along and give it a try.

Anyone interested in joining can email kelsijohnston1@gmail.com for more information.