Emus World Cup Preview: Men's 40s

The Men’s 40s division is set to be contested for the seventh time. After a 12-year hiatus, the division returned in 2011 in Edinburgh. In recent World Cups, Australia and New Zealand have traded Gold Medals, with the Aussies emerging victorious on home soil in 2015, whilst New Zealand emerged victorious in 2019. Things could be different in 2024 however, with 18 teams set to do battle in Nottingham – the largest in the division's history.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Men’s 40s division.

 

Participating Teams

Pool A

• Cook Islands
• France
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• Spain
• United States
• Wales

Pool B

• Australia
• China
• England
• Fiji
• Papua New Guinea
• Portugal
• Scotland
• Singapore
• Sweden

 

The Numbers That Matter

22 – In 2019, Robert Vella scored 22 times for Australia. This is the Australian record for most tries scored in a single tournament in the Men’s 40s division. With the potential of playing 11 games, look to one of the Emus to nudge this record. A strong campaign could bring someone close to the all-time Men's 40s record of 26 tries set by Peter Walters in 2011.

3 – It will be a tournament of firsts for the Men's 40s team, with the Athelite Australian Emus set to face three new opponents: China, Portugal, and Sweden. Meanwhile, Australia has only faced Scotland (2011) and Fiji (2015) once before this World Cup, whilst the last time they played Papua New Guinea was in 1999. This will undoubtedly introduce a sense of unpredictability in the group stage, as the Australians look to reclaim the title.

162 – In 2011, New Zealand scored 162 tries, the most points scored in a single event in the division. This surpasses Australia's record of 152 (also in 2011), but with this year’s tournament, the largest record in the divisions’ history may be broken.

 

Athelite Australian Emus to Watch

Remus Gentles – One of the greatest players to grace the sport, Remus Gentles will no doubt ruffle a few feathers across the ditch, switching allegiances to don the green and gold jersey. A storied and historic career, his most famous moments arguably came in 1995, when the world got their first glimpses of his greatness. Perhaps some of the most influential footwork the sport has ever seen, his steps created absolute havoc for Australia, completely changing the way they defended their line. Years later, we're looking forward to Remus bringing some chaos to the field again, but this time in our favour.

Aaron Jones – Aaron Jones heads into England with plenty of momentum, having had a successful campaign with the South Queensland Sharks at this year’s Championships. The Queenslander earned Player of the Final honours in March this year, as the Sharks were crowned national champions. With several debutants named, the Gold Coast representative's prior experience in the green and gold will be invaluable to this side. This includes earning coach’s award honours in 2019 when the Men’s 35s side took home Gold.

 

Toughest Match-Ups

New Zealand – The defending champions, New Zealand have never failed to reach the Gold Medal match at the World Cup, winning the title on two occasions. In 2019, the Kiwis defeated Australia eight tries to six. We will be desperate to redeem ourselves against the old foe in Nottingham.

England – The 2023 European Champions went the tournament undefeated, taking down France in the final. A strong showing, the hosts will be looking to improve on their seventh-place finish in 2019. In a side with plenty of international experience look to Oliver Sills to stand out in the attack. The Cheltenham representative currently has 54 tries to his name, including 16 at World Cup level.

Japan – The 2019 bronze medallists return to the Men’s 40s division in 2024, with the same goal of finishing in the medal positions. After an early hiccup against England (A 7-all draw), the Touch Blossoms went on a three-game win streak, to secure their spot in the semi-finals. Although they lost to Australia in the semi-final, a 6-5 victory over France secured the nation their first-ever medal in the division.

 

Athelite Australian Emus Fixtures*

Day 2 Fixtures: July 16

• 9:00am VS Scotland
• 11:30am VS Sweden

Day 3 Fixtures: July 17

• 10:40am VS Papua New Guinea
• 2:00pm VS Malaysia

Day 4 Fixtures: July 18

• 9:00am VS England
• 11:30am VS Fiji

Day 5 Fixtures: July 19

• 8:50am VS Singapore
• 3:45pm VS Portugal

Day 6 Fixtures: July 20

• 4:05pm Quarter Finals 1, 2, 3, 4
• 5:55pm Playoffs
• 6:50pm Semi Finals 1, 2

Day 7 Fixtures: July 21

• 8:00am Playoffs
• 8:00am Bronze Medal
• 9:00am Gold Medal

*Draft draw, subject to change. All times are shown in local England time zones. Follow Touch Football Australia (TFA) on social media for all up-to-date schedule information.

To see the Men’s 40s draw in its entirety, CLICK HERE

 

Last Word: The 2024 Touch World Cup will mark the seventh edition of the Men’s 40s division, with each Gold Medal match being decided by a Trans-Tasman clash. History will likely repeat itself in 2024.

The 2024 FIT Touch World Cup begins July 15 in Nottingham, England. Follow TFA’s socials on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for all updates before and throughout the World Cup.

All Stats Courtesy of the Touch Almanac by Cary Thompson