Touch Rugby has been part of Deepings RFC for many years, a fixture of Monday evenings and a cornerstone of our inclusive, community‑driven spirit. It’s where players of all ages, backgrounds and abilities come together for fast, fun, non‑contact rugby that captures the essence of the game without the tackles.

What started as a casual way to keep fit and stay connected has grown into one of the club’s most popular activities. Generations of players have taken part, from former first‑teamers to complete newcomers, families, and juniors discovering rugby for the first time.

What Is Touch Rugby?
Touch Rugby is a simplified, non‑contact version of the game. Instead of tackling, players stop the ball carrier with a touch — making it safe, inclusive and accessible to everyone.

It’s quick, social and competitive in equal measure. You’ll find mixed teams, family groups and players from other clubs all enjoying the same game together. It’s rugby stripped back to its purest form: teamwork, movement and skill.

Why It’s So Popular
Inclusive: Anyone can play — men, women, juniors and families.
Safe: No tackling, scrums or rucks — just speed, agility and teamwork.
Social: A great way to stay active and meet people.
Skill‑building: Perfect for improving passing, positioning and game awareness.
Flexible: Play casually or competitively — it’s up to you.

Touch Rugby at Deepings RFC follows the long‑standing principles of the game: fast, inclusive, safe and easy to learn. Whether you’re brand new or have played for years, these simple rules keep the game flowing and enjoyable for everyone.

Quick Guide to Touch Rugby Rules
1. The Basics
No contact, instead of tackling, a player is stopped by a touch (one hand, anywhere on the body or ball).
Six touches, the attacking team has up to six touches to score before possession changes.
Roll‑ball restart, after a touch, the ball is placed on the ground and rolled back to a teammate.
No kicking, Touch Rugby is a running and passing game.
Mixed teams, adults, juniors, men and women can all play together.

2. Scoring
A try is scored by grounding the ball over the try line.
No conversions, no kicking, just fast hands and teamwork.

3. Offside & Positioning
After each touch, defenders must retreat 5 metres.
Attackers must stay behind the roll‑ball until the ball is played.

4. Substitutions
Rolling subs, players can swap in and out at any time.
Perfect for families and mixed‑ability groups.

5. Safety & Conduct
No diving over the try line.
No obstruction or blocking.
Respect for teammates, opponents and referees at all times.

These rules keep the game flowing, fun and safe.

RFU Touch Rugby Resources
Touch Rugby is supported by the RFU, and we follow their guidance for safety, coaching and development.

Useful links:
RFU Touch Rugby Overview
O2 Touch Resources & Guidance
RFU Safeguarding

These resources provide deeper rule explanations, coaching tips, session plans and development pathways.

Downloadable PDFs & Guides
You can access official Touch Rugby materials directly from the RFU:
Touch Rugby Rules (PDF)
Beginner’s Guide to Touch Rugby
Coaching Touch Rugby – Session Plans
Safeguarding & Welfare Guidance

Why We Include Rules & Resources
Touch Rugby has been part of Deepings RFC for years, and providing clear rules and official resources helps:
New players feel confident
Families understand how the game works
Coaches run safe, structured sessions
The club maintain RFU‑aligned standards
Everyone enjoy the game at its best

It reinforces that Touch Rugby here isn’t just casual, it’s a valued, organised part of the club.

Touch Rugby has always been about enjoyment first. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals, returning to rugby after a break, or simply looking for a friendly Monday night run‑around, you’ll find your place here.

Our Sessions
Every Monday evening 7:00pm – 8:00pm
At Deepings RUFC, Linchfield Road

The clubhouse bar is open before, during and after sessions, because rugby is as much about community as it is about sport.

Part of Deepings RFC
Touch Rugby isn’t a side project — it’s a proud part of Deepings RFC. The same values that define our senior and junior teams apply here: respect, teamwork, enjoyment and discipline.
Being part of Deepings RFC means being part of a club with history, heart and ambition — and Touch Rugby embodies that perfectly.