RCL Lightning v Boitsfort;
Credit: Rugby Eye
On Sunday 20 October 2024, RCL Lightning hosted a gathering of 20 teams and nearly 300 players as part of the Belgian Mixed National Touch Rugby League.
The organisers noted that this was the largest touch rugby event to be held in Luxembourg to date.
With 22 action-packed, 40-minute matches played at Boy Konen sports ground in Luxembourg-Cessange, the tournament was a "significant milestone" for the sport, reflecting the growing popularity of touch rugby in the region.
The sport's unique mixed-gender format, with three men and three women on the field at any time, promotes inclusivity and teamwork, RCL Lightning added.
This event was part of a six-leg series in the 2024/25 Belgian National Touch Championships, in which Luxembourg was represented by two teams: Terre Rouge Touch and RCL Lightning.
Terre Rouge Touch, competing in the Challenge Division for developing clubs, won both their debut matches. The club, which has only existed for one year, is now looking ahead to the next leg in Ghent in November 2024.
In the Championship Division, the elite competitive league, RCL Lightning clinched a thrilling 11-9 victory over Liege RFC, after a hard-fought match against Boitsfort.
Commenting on the event, Nick Frank from Touch Luxembourg said: "This major tournament ran smoothly and professionally, thanks to the hard work of the Touch Lightning team, led by Dan Fahy- Director of Touch and the support from our friends at Belgium Touch, led by Maëlys Muepu. It was a fantastic showcase of the growing strength of touch rugby in Luxembourg."
RCL Lightning explained that touch rugby is a low-contact version of rugby, ideal for men and women of all ages. It offers the opportunity to play competitive sport in an inclusive and social environment.
Touch Luxembourg is the national association for touch rugby in Luxembourg that aims to make touch the premier mixed participation sport in Luxembourg by increasing the levels of participation (especially among women and children) and by improving the level of skill from beginner through to international players. Adults and Juniors can play at the RCL Lightning and Terre Rouge Touch clubs.
