Luxembourg Men's Open Touch Rugby squad returned home on Monday from the European Championships ruing what could have been had injuries not robbed the squad of many of their most experienced players.
The tournament was held in the beautiful Island setting of Jersey over four days from the 8-11 of July, featuring teams from 14 countries in 9 age divisions. International Touch is played six a side (2 wings, 2 links and 2 mids) with match squads of 14 players allowing rolling substitutions every 90 to 120 seconds which makes it one of the fastest paced sports to compete in or watch. Luxembourg's squad included 8 players under 20 including the youngest mid and link quartet from any country at any Touch European championship with a 14 year old two 15 year olds and a sixteen year old. They were joined by more experienced players including player-coach Simon Neale who had won the 2008 championships with Ireland (a player is allowed to change of country eligibility one time in their career).
The first match of the tournament was against second ranked France
The young team struggled with the pace of the match conceding 16 times and only scoring once via Neale but crucially suffering a tournament-ending injury to Kiwi veteran Nathan Snyed. The Top Squash coach suffered suspected dislodged ribs and a crushed sciatic nerve leaving him temporarily unable to feel or move his leg and in considerable pain. Touch is sometimes referred to as non contact Rugby but this could not be further from the truth as the tournament medics could testify. The team of medical professionals, provided by Jersey Rugby Club were kept busy with a constant line of injures to treat and concussion checks to make.
The second 40 minute match of the tournament was verses 2014 runners up Wales. Again the opposition were in a different class and despite fine try's from Man Mountain Manu Angioni and speedster Sean Goncalves, the result was never in doubt. The final match of the day against Belgium saw an improved performance but the team were disappointed to lose 10-6.
Day two started with a match against 4th ranked Ireland, the Lux team's substitutions were working much more smoothly, allowing the attack more time to create space. The Luxembourg youngsters started to play with belief and came agonizingly close to a huge upset, but in the end lost by one score 7-6. With confidence growing in the squad hopes were high of a first victory of the tournament and a first ever win over Germany. At half time Luxembourg led 6-2, but two quick second half trys tested the steel of the young team. A crucial interception and 65 meter sprint by Captain Eduardo Angioni sealed the victory and sparked wild celebrations. With only seconds on the clock misfortune struck when Simon Neale suffered a tournament-ending injury to his calves.
With both experienced Kiwis permanently in the medical tent the final two days of the tournament would be a test.
Touch Championships are the only contact team sport which takes place over 4 consecutive days and, after five tough matches in the first two days, things got even more challenging for tired minds and bodies on Saturday morning with back-to-back matches v hot favourites England and a powerful Scottish side. Without Neale the team seemed nervous, unable to keep focus against the incredible pace of England. Goncalves did manage to raise spirits by stepping the English defence, before running clear to score but a loss of 20-2 was not a result the team were happy with. Before the match against Scotland the young players were encouraged to play with out fear, trust their ability drive the ball with more aggression and pace. The talk did the trick and, despite a sizeable loss the team posted a much improved performance including fantastic scores by 16 year old Luca Zanetti, and 15 year olds Chobe Sweetnam and Hugo Bertani.
With two matches remaining against Italy and Guernsey the side were hopeful of two wins and the possibility of finishing 6th in Europe. Unfortunately in the third match of a very hot day the wheels fell well and truly off the Luxembourg trolley. Italy arrived with a game plan to fake over aggressive play from Luxembourg players in an attempt to influence the referees and win penalties. Even worse they had a clear plan to verbally abuse an intimidate the 4 youngest squad members. When cool heads were needed Luxembourg players and coaches let themselves down resulting in two players being removed from the field by the referee and a sending off. If things couldn't get any worse, another of the experienced players, Jonathan Prince, pulled a quad which saw him out of the match, the tournament and joining his kiwi team matches in the increasingly cramped medical tent. Italy's tactics worked a treat but no credit came with their victory. In the final match of the tournament, Luxembourg played their part in an exciting and good spirited match against Guernsey. Despite coming from behind to briefly lead the Luxembourg team lacked composure and organisation in defence and lost 9-6.
The tournament was frustrating in many ways as a fully fit squad could have hoped for a top 6 finish as in 2014. The prospects for the coming years do however look bright with so many young players coming through. A special mention should be made to Eric Fortunel who, at 47 years old, played every match.
Touch rugby can be watched and played, by men and women, boys and girls this Saturday at the Stade Boy Konen in Cessage in the annual Kick Cancer into Touch family day. Teams can still register to play by contacting paul@rcl.lu, more information about playing touch can be obtained by email: luxembourgtouch@gmail.com
