"Pay attention to defence and prepare to attack!" On the morning of February 26, eleven players from the Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology "Giant Pandas" touch rugby team (referred to as "GTIIT Rugby Team") were competing with experienced and strong university teams from Zhejiang University, Beijing Sport University, and South China Agricultural University and others on the green field in Panyu District, Guangzhou.

This is the first time the young team took part in a national touch rugby competition. According to the competition rules of the National Touch Rugby Championship (Guangzhou), GTIIT Rugby Team needs to take turns to compete with other university teams. Each competition lasts 20 minutes, and a total of six players, three men and three women, are required to play. This is a physical challenge for a small team with only four female players. "We couldn't change players as frequently as other teams, but we were fearless and grew stronger in the game," Sun Yuanpu, a GTIIT team player, said. With the joint efforts of all team members, the GTIIT Rugby Team won the fifth prize in the University mixed group, marking a successful end to the competition.

"During the competition, we learned a lot of skills and tactics from our opponents, and we also realized that team work makes the dream work," Zhai Zhongxi, the captain of the GTIIT Rugby Team, summed up this challenging journey. How did this emerging sport prevail in GTIIT? What makes this young but promising team so special? Let’s listen to their stories.

Because of passion, we join this team

It was a chilly evening in early spring, but GTIIT Rugby Team members were training in the South Campus in T-shirts and were full of energy. In the cold wind, they started running around the court, doing a quick warm-up by running at variable speeds. Under the guidance of team coach Dr. Fabian Rios, the team divided into two parts for defensive and attack training. Dodging, passing, running, and intercepting, the players completed "tries" (this is how points are called in rugby) again and again. It was the final exam month of GTIIT, but many players still asked for extra training, striving to show their best on the following competition.

"GTIIT 'Giant Pandas' Touch Rugby team was established in 2020, and we also offer related sports courses." Dr. Fabian Rios, the team coach, said. Touch rugby is the "non-violent version" of rugby. It was originally a way for rugby players to warm up and train for positioning and passing, and then gradually developed into an independent branch. Compared with traditional rugby games that often involve physical contact, the only contact in touch rugby games is to touch each other slightly with hands, so it has a wider audience. The fun mode with lots of moves and fast pace made this sport popular among students as soon as it was launched in GTIIT.

Either by the invitation of Dr. Fabian Rios, the recommendation of team member, or the interesting experience in touch rugby class, more and more GTIIT students join the team. "The team is training once a week, two hours each time. If there is a competition, it will be increased to twice a week. Sometimes the wind is very strong and the weather is very cold in winter, but we still train rain or shine," team member Chen Taiyi said.

In team members’ eyes, the team's training is a relaxation in their busy study, and it is also an unforgettable memory in their university time. "I will never forget our team's first training on the South Campus. We trained late, chatted a lot together, and even missed the last shuttle bus. Although we felt exhausted, this became one of the best memories in my GT life," Zhang Wanting, the graduate of cohort 2018 said.

Because of teamwork, we have great potential

In daily training, in addition to strict skill requirements, Dr. Fabian Rios also pays much attention to the cultivation of team spirit. In his opinion, the collective spirit behind touch rugby is interlinked with the teamwork sprit in GTIIT daily scientific research. This spirit will be of great benefit to the students in their future study and work. "In this team, I have made many new friends. Everyone has a common goal, works together, and grows together. The three people in our dormitory are all members of 'Giant Pandas', and we usually talk about interesting things of the team. This atmosphere is really great," team member Zhuo Yuzhao said.

National Touch Rugby Championship (Guangzhou) also taught the players the importance of team spirit. "I chatted with Zhejiang University players during the halftime break of the game. She said that she likes the atmosphere of our team very much. Everyone has a harmonious relationship and a tacit cooperation. This is the best compliment for us," speaking of the most memorable thing in the competition, captain Zhai Zhongxi said.

"We are a young team, and there is still a long way to go. In the future, we will focus on training and learn from other teams. We will participate in more competitions, continue to learn and improve!" As one of the longest-serving players in the team, Sun Yuanpu said with confidence.

Text：GTIIT News & Public Affairs, Sun Yuanpu

Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, National Touch Rugby Championship Committee