By Bridget Tunnicliffe
Contributing Writer
The venue has been set for Seoul's international touch rugby tournament, ITS 2009.
It will be held at the Korea Military Academy in Taeneung on Sept. 26, and organizers are expecting over 20 teams, including outfits from across Asia, to participate in the tournament.
Organizer Shane Lowndes said interest in this year's event is healthy, with the usual supply of local teams in addition to interest from teams in Japan, China, Singapore and Malaysia.
He also reckons that the mixed section will be this year's marquee competition.
``I've noticed over the last 12 months the number of women playing across the peninsula has increased, while the pool of men's players has maybe shrunk a bit," said Lowndes.
``But that's the beauty of touch, it's a sport that's easy to pick up and accommodates men, women, and all ages.''
The organizers say it's not too late for new entries, and existing teams will welcome additional members to their squads. Registrations can be made until Sept. 5.
Men's outfit Three Alley Dutch Rudders, currently at the top of the table of this year's domestic league, plan on recruiting female players. Wade Broderick, 28, looking forward to his third ITS, said the Dutch Rudders aim to enter a men's and a mixed team.
"All the international tournaments we go to are mixed, so generally the mixed competition is the strongest, and the teams always seem to have a lot of fun too," he explained. While the tournament is primarily an event for the expat community, Korean players have participated in previous years, and there will also be a section for local Korean children who are learning the game.
For more information on the tournament, visit www.koreatouch.com.