Hunters Launch O2 Touch Rugby!
Joe Hall - Touch Co-ordinator
INTRODUCTION
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Joe Hall - O2 Touch Co-Ordinator for the Leeds Hunters RUFC ahead of the formal launch of O2 Touch Rugby on Sunday 9th May at 15:30 at the Leeds Rhinos Foundation Kirkstall training ground. Joe takes us through why and how the Hunters will be launching Touch Rugby and the journey getting there.
So WHY ARE THE HUNTERS LUNCHING O2 Touch Rugby?
“It’s about growing the club for the wider community; we want to make rugby more accessible for a broader demographic. Providing touch rugby is a natural progression and the next logical step for us. O2 Touch is for anyone 18 or older, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. It’s for all abilities and experience. This isn’t a bolt on service, it emerges through and is core to our club mission”.
Tell us about your journey into rugby and into touch?
”I started playing rugby league when I was 11. After a few years, I got really interested in touch rugby too for how it homed in on core skills. Touch rugby ended up appealing to me more in my mid-teens. I’ve played Touch at different clubs for the last 20 years. I played some competitive Touch in Hull, including through Hull KR but I’ve also enjoyed casual, social touch rugby in Brighton, Eastbourne, and at Sandal O2 Touch”.
”The Leeds Hunters got me back into playing contact rugby a few years ago. It was the appeal of an inclusive club and the culture that brings. Contact rugby isn’t for everyone though so I’m pleased to be involved with Leeds Hunters O2 Touch Rugby too. I’m looking forward to welcoming new members and seeing some of our existing members give Touch a go”
“This is an exciting time for the club in expanding provision and welcoming new members”
Joe Hall on launching O2 Touch with the Leeds Hunters RUFC.
Music is what makes O2 Touch distinct so TELL US ABOUT THis?
“The music sets the tone! It makes for a relaxed and fun atmosphere. This is great for new players. Joining a new club can be hard, but O2 Touch helps break that down. It’s not like a hard-core gym class; it’s a gentle and accessible introduction to rugby”
tell us about the leeds rhinos support for the launch of o2 touch?
“O2 Touch provide the equipment and support to get us started. It’s been great working with them and we’re proud to be the latest addition to O2 Touch. The Leeds Rhinos Foundation have been kind enough to facilitate our weekly sessions at their Kirkstall training ground – an all-weather 3G pitch. This is part of their wider community engagement and commitment to inclusivity. It’s a partnership that we’re looking forward to developing further”.