The 2025 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup taking place at the University of Limerick in July and August was formally launched in the City this week.
Scheduled to run from July 31 to August 3, this prestigious underage Touch Rugby competition will attract more than 700 players from 30 teams from up to a dozen nations from a ross Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia to the world-class facilities at UL.
This hosting another major coup for Limerick following the city’s successful hosting of the 2023 Tag Rugby World Cup.
That event brought thousands of players and supporters to the region and left a lasting legacy for the sport locally. Now, with the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup on the horizon, excitement is building once more.
The competition, organised by the Federation of International Touch (FIT), will feature national teams competing across seven grades, from Under-15 to Under-20.
It will be the largest international Touch Rugby tournament ever held in Ireland, further cementing UL’s reputation as a premier venue for international sports events.
We will be talking about the success at our second Annual Sports Tourism Conference taking place at UL on Thursday March 20th.
“Limerick’s ability to attract such a prestigious event reaffirms our reputation for hosting large-scale International sporting events,” said Mayor of Limerick John Moran.
“Essential to this of course is our collaborative approach, superb facilities and renowned hospitality. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the successful bid. Hosting large, international sports events produces millions in economic impact for Limerick and will provide a very welcome boost to the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors in the region.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected to host the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in Limerick,” added Michelle Mulcahy, Director of the Ireland Touch Association (ITA).
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our renowned Irish hospitality to visiting teams from Europe, South Africa, and the USA. It’s not only about the sport—we also want to highlight Ireland’s beautiful Wild Atlantic Way and create lasting memories for everyone involved.”
Touch Rugby, a fast-paced, non-contact sport that prioritises skill, speed, and spatial awareness, is growing in popularity across Ireland. The game is widely recognised in Australia and New Zealand for its role in developing young rugby players. Locally, the sport is governed by the ITA, with teams such as Munster Touch Rugby Club, based in Parteen, contributing to its development.
University of Limerick worked with Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau on the bid to attract the event to the region, with the support of Failte Ireland and Limerick City Council.
“The state-of-the-art sports campus at UL Sport will provide an ideal setting for the competition, offering convenient access to pitches, accommodation, and facilities for players, referees, and supporters,” said David Ward, UL Events, University of Limerick.
“In recent years we’ve hosted World & European Championships for a wide variety of sports including Flag Football, Archery, Lacrosse, Chess and many more. With the addition of the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup, UL is reinforcing its reputation as a go-to destination for major international tournaments.”
“With hundreds of players, coaches, and supporters expected to descend on the city, local businesses will benefit from increased visitor numbers, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors,” concluded Karen Ronan, Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau.
“In partnership with Failte Ireland, we’re delighted to support UL with this bid to attract another European championship to the Shannon area.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
With the Ryder Cup coming to Adare Manor in 2027 and UL building a very solid body of hosted events from around the world, the South West is booming with regard to sports tourism in Ireland
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Tickets are on sale from today for the Sport for Business Sports Tourism in Ireland Conference on March 20th.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
UL is an active member of the Sport for Business community as are Aer Lingus, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, Carton House, Dromoland Castle, Sandymount Hotel and others in the Sports Tourism Space.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
