The 9th Touch World Cup is underway in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with the Ross-on-Wye Touch Centre represented by Mark Jensen in the England Men’s 45s, (pictured right) Hefin Archer-Williams in the Great Britain Men’s 50s, and Gareth Revell in the Wales Mixed Opens. 117 teams from 26 nations across six continents will compete in 11 divisions – Men’s (Open, 30s, 35s, 40s, 45s, 50s), Women’s (Open, 27s, 35s) and Mixed (Open, Senior).

The sport of Touch originated in Australia and both Australia and New Zealand continue to dominate but with the growth of Touch around the world their stranglehold is sure to be tested this week. As a further testament to its growth in the UK, BBC Sport Online is streaming five hours of games every day, along with YouTube streaming six fields of play each day to the World.

Mark Jensen said “I’ve been playing Touch for over 25 years and love it for being a non-contact, athletic team sport can be played at any age, and from a friendly social level all the way through to international level. The fact it can be played as a mixed sport (both men and women in the same team) also makes it a very unique sport.”

Mark would like to thank his sponsors at Ross Rugby Club and Halo Gym for supporting him in his preparation and participation at the World Cup.

Ross Touch Centre operate Mixed Social Touch sessions every Wednesday night from 6.30pm-8pm at the Ross Rugby Club Greytree Sports facilities.

You can find out more at www.rossrugby.co.uk or their Facebook Page - just search for Ross-on-Wye Touch Rugby.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.