Visser Backs Scotland For Success At Touch World Cup

Edinburgh Rugby’s record-breaking winger, Tim Visser, threw his support behind the Scottish squads competing at the seventh Touch World Cup at Peffermill, Edinburgh on Wednesday (22 June) – the first time the event has ever been held in Europe.A number of Scottish teams, including the Men’s Open, Women’s Open and Mixed Open squads will pit their wits against the best touch teams on the planet including South Africa, Australia and the New Zealand ‘Touch Blacks’ during the five-day tournament.Edinburgh Rugby’s record-breaking winger, Tim Visser, threw his support behind the Scottish squads competing at the seventh Touch World Cup at Peffermill, Edinburgh on Wednesday (22 June) – the first time the event has ever been held in Europe.A number of Scottish teams, including the Men’s Open, Women’s Open and Mixed Open squads will pit their wits against the best touch teams on the planet including South Africa, Australia and the New Zealand ‘Touch Blacks’ during the five-day tournament.The Edinburgh wing king, who last season broke the record for scoring the most tries in a Magners League season (14), can’t wait for the action to kick off.He said: “I’ve seen touch on TV a couple of times and I’ve seen how quick and exciting it is to watch, there’s plenty of action and some skilled athletes on display.”We obviously play a version of touch in training but what’s going to be on offer in Edinburgh this week is something much more structured and exciting.”Visser, who recently made a try-scoring debut with the Barbarians, admits that he has been in contact with the Dutch teams coming to compete in Edinburgh and has also heard about the recent successes of the various Scottish Touch squads.I’ve heard about the development of the Scottish Touch teams over the past few years and with the Men’s team being European champions I’m sure they’ll be in the mix for medals at the weekend,” he added.”It’s a huge opportunity for Scottish fans to see some fast paced and exciting sport, and although I’ll have one eye on the Dutch teams, I’ll definitely be following the Scottish squads and hope they do well.”It will be exciting to watch with any some great rivalry. I think it should be a good spectacle to watch and I’ll definitely be going down myself.”Michael Short, captain of the Scotland Men’s Open team believes the World Cup has a huge opportunity to showcase the sport of Touch to a wider Scottish audience.Short, who played a part in the Men’s Open team’s success at the European Championships in 2010, has high expectations of all Scotland squads involved.He said: “I hope we can showcase an amazing sport and introduce it to the Scottish public in the best way possible, through a huge World Cup.”All the squads aim to be the best in Europe and my Men’s Open side are looking to better our seeding of fifth in the world.”There will be non-stop action with the Scotland teams competing at a frenzied pace with the best in the world. The elite level touch will shock you and, even better, the Scots will be part of it!”The Touch World Cup takes place at the University of Edinburgh playing fields at Peffermill Sports Centre in Edinburgh from 22 to 26 June. Admission is free.Pictured right to left: Women’s Open new cap Catherine Stokes, Edinburgh Rugby wing, Tim Visser and Men’s Open captain Michael ShortThe sport of Touch is often referred to as ‘touch rugby’ and uses a smaller rugby ball. In Touch, the player with the ball must stop when touched and restart play. The game emphasises running, agility, ball skills, communication and teamwork. Anyone can play touch, including all ages, males and females and all levels of fitness, ability and experience. For more information about the game, access the Touch Key Facts sheet on the STA website, www.scottishtouch.org.uk.The Scottish Touch Association (STA) is the governing body for Touch in Scotland. It aims to promote and develop Touch at all levels, and administers the national squad and the Scottish National Touch Championships, held between regional representative sides.  Edinburgh’s Tim Visser joined the club in the summer of 2009 and was named Magners League Young Player of the Season for his debut 09/10 campaign, having topped the competition’s try-scoring charts. In April 2011, he broke the record for the most individual tries in a Magners League season, and the following month was voted in the competition’s Dream Team for the second straight season. Visser has agreed a two-year contract extension that will see him stay with Edinburgh until at least the end of May 2013.