European Touch’s premiere event will be played at The Sports Centre De Vichy (Centre Omnisports de Vichy) from 20 – 26 July 2026 and we are proud to announce HRC Touch will be represented by 9 players and 4 members of staff.
The European Touch Championships returns to Vichy in July 2026 in what is expected to be the largest Euros in history. Since January 2025 aspiring Touch players from across the country gathered one weekend a month, all hoping to impress during these gruelling two day camps. These camps are not just tests of fitness and mental resilience, but they require discipline on and off the pitch throughout the year. The ultimate accolade – to be selected to represent the Netherlands at the highest level of the sport.
The Netherlands will be represented in the Mixed Open and Mixed 30s respectively. The Mixed Open squad includes the HRC Touch talents of:
- Armance Toeset
- Irene Rodriguez de Lope Ruiz
- Edward van Wijk
- Pelayo Casanovas
It is obvious to see why these players were selected. Throughout the season they have consistently displayed playmaking expertise coupled with an astute awareness for try scoring opportunities. We cannot wait for the finals where we fully expect them to go toe-to-toe with top nations from across Europe.
The Mixed 30s squad will be enhanced by the experience of some of HRC Touch’s finest players:
- Anri McNally
- Lydia van Deursen
- Bradley Bonafacio
- Zian Minhinnick
- Vincent Westerhof
The Netherlands selectors have opted for a settled and experienced squad. The team will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to embrace how they want to play, and taking on the game with a mindset of playing bravely and creatively throughout the pitch. With the ingenuity and finesse of our HRC Touch players, this is a realistic possibility.
Finally congratulations to the staff of HRC Touch. The Head Coach of the Mixed Open squad is Rhode Thijssen, with Vincent Westerhof announced as Head Coach of the Mixed 30s squad. The team responsible for high performance will be aided by Anri McNally. Lastly, we are super proud to announce Samir Boutaleb will participating as a referee during the finals.
Congratulations HRC Touch!
