Touch Rugby Portugal (TRP) experienced one of the most significant periods in its history through its participation in the European Touch Championships 2026 in Vichy, France, and the European Youth Touch Championships 2026 in Coventry, England. Within less than a month, Portugal was represented by athletes from different generations in two of the sport's premier European competitions, further strengthening its international profile and highlighting the sustained growth of Touch Rugby across the country.

In Vichy, Portugal recorded its largest-ever representation at an international Touch Rugby competition, with a delegation of more than 100 people and six national teams competing. The Portuguese contingent stood out not only for its size, but also for the professionalism, commitment, team spirit and pride displayed throughout the tournament.

Under the motto"Playing for Portugal and for a Cause", each of the six national teams competing in Vichy partnered with a Portuguese charitable organisation, using the visibility of the European Championships to support and raise awareness of causes with significant social impact. The Mixed Open team supported Rede de Emergência Solidária, the Women's 27 team supported APAV – Portuguese Association for Victim Support, the Men's 30 team supported the Portuguese Autism Federation, the Men's 40 team supported the Institute for Child Support (IAC), the Men's 50 team supported the Portuguese League Against Cancer, and the Men's 55 team supported Acreditar – Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Cancer. This initiative reinforced TRP's commitment to promoting a sport that combines competition, inclusion and social responsibility.

A few weeks later, attention turned to Coventry, where Portugal's Boys 15 and Boys 18 teams competed in Europe's leading youth Touch Rugby tournament. With a delegation of 31 athletes and five members of staff, the competition provided young Portuguese players with the opportunity to test themselves against some of the strongest European and international teams, gaining valuable experience while showcasing the quality of the development work being carried out by clubs across Portugal.


Portugal's youth teams delivered highly encouraging performances throughout the championship, demonstrating talent, determination and strong potential for future growth. As with the senior teams in Vichy, the Boys 15 and Boys 18 squads also competed in support of a social cause, partnering with Lidia's Legacy and reinforcing TRP's commitment to promoting inclusion, social responsibility and active citizenship through sport.

João Pereira de Faria, Communications Director of Touch Rugby Portugal, said:

"The summer of 2026 will be remembered as a milestone for Portuguese Touch Rugby. In Vichy, we fielded the largest Portuguese delegation ever to attend an international competition and demonstrated the sport's capacity for growth and mobilisation in Portugal. In Coventry, we witnessed a new generation of athletes competing with quality, determination and ambition against some of Europe's strongest teams, confirming the excellent development work being carried out by clubs across the country. Together, these two championships show that Touch Rugby continues to grow consistently, supported by the dedication of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and partners who contribute every day to the future of the sport."

Across both competitions, Portugal demonstrated the growing maturity of the sport, bringing together athletes from different generations through a development strategy that combines international competition, youth development, inclusion and social impact. From the record-breaking participation in Vichy to the encouraging performances delivered by the country's young talent in Coventry, the summer of 2026 confirmed the positive momentum behind Portuguese Touch Rugby and its increasing recognition on the international stage.

About Touch Rugby Portugal (TRP)

Founded in 2017 with the support of the Federation of International Touch (FIT) and the Portuguese Rugby Federation (FPR), Touch Rugby Portugal is the governing body responsible for the promotion and development of Touch Rugby in Portugal. Under the motto"Touch Rugby, a sport for everyone, anywhere", TRP organises national competitions and represents Portugal in the sport's leading international events.