Emus World Cup Preview: Men's 55s

As part of the World Cup expansion, we’ll see the debut of the Men’s 55s division in 2024 – with five teams set to participate. Despite it being a new division, only four members of the Australian side will be making their debut in the green and gold. With plenty of experience throughout the team, the Australians will fancy their chances of making history.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Men’s 55s division.

Participating Teams

• Australia
• New Zealand
• England
• United States
• Wales

The Numbers That Matter

1 – The 2024 Touch World Cup marks the first time the Men’s 55s division will be contested. Although some of these players will have clashed in other divisions over the years, the lack of game time together for some of these players will provide an element of unpredictability at this World Cup. Expect the team that builds their chemistry the fastest to come out on top.

8 – Australian Assistant Coach Tim Kitchingham is set to appear in his eighth World Cup as a player or coach. This will break the record for the most World Cups in Australian Touch Football history. With decades of international experience, the TFA Hall of Famer will be crucial to guiding this Australian side to victory.

94 – John Samin currently sits on 94 caps for Australia. Should the Emus reach the Gold Medal match as predicted, the legend will have the chance to reach 100 caps, a feat only matched by Kerry Norman and Tony Trad. What makes John’s achievement unique is that he may become the first Australian to reach this milestone solely as a player.

501 – The Athelite Australian Emus (coaching staff and players) boast a combined 501 caps in the green and gold, making them one of the most experienced teams at the tournament. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the longevity and commitment of the members of this team.

Athelite Emus to Watch

John Samin – Taking part in his seventh Touch World Cup, John Samin is one of Australia’s most experienced Touch Footballers. Debuting for the Emus in 1999, he has represented the Emus in the Men’s 30s, 35s, 40s, 45s, and 50s divisions. Whether he is driving the ball up the field himself or running support, the New South Welshmen will have a pivotal role in the Emus’ attacking threat throughout the tournament. Look to the former Ron Hanson Medallist to make an impact come the latter stages of this tournament, with his Player of the Final performance at the 2015 Touch World Cup proof of his ability to thrive under pressure.

David Cheung – TFA Hall of Famer David Cheung is the ultimate team player, yet also can turn a game on its head through a single moment of brilliance. First representing Australia in 1995 in Hawaii, David is set to participate in his sixth World Cup. With 56 tries in as many caps, he currently ranks fifth all-time amongst Australian try scorers. The New South Welshmen has also shone on the national stage, becoming the first player to reach and surpass the 100-try mark at The Championships (formerly National Touch League). A well-respected figure in the Touch Football community, look to the Penrith Touch representative to cross the line a few more times this July in Nottingham.

Toughest Match-Ups

New Zealand – No matter the division, it’s impossible to count out our Trans-Tasman rivals. Several members of both sides are expected to back up from the Men’s 50s division at the 2019 Touch World Cup. On that occasion, it was the Kiwis who emerged triumphant. With only five teams competing, a Trans-Tasman clash awaits us in the round-robin stage, in what could be a teaser for the final. Look forward to the performances of both nations in that game to provide a good outlook for how the division could shape up.

Wales – Wales Touch will be travelling to Nottingham in pursuit of their first-ever World Cup medal and will be hoping they can achieve this feat in the Men’s 55s division. Despite there not being a Men’s 55s division contested at the latest European Championships, multiple members of the 2024 contingent represented the Welsh Men’s 50s team at the tournament, including Captain Scott Greenman and Co-Captain Mark Singh. Despite leaving the tournament with limited success, plenty of lessons were learnt, and the experience would’ve only made them stronger for this year’s World Cup. Look to Welsh Touch Football great Neil Perkins to be a key player for the side. The teams’ coach is currently ranked fourth all-time in tries scored for Wales at World Cup level. Now competing in his fifth World Cup, he’ll be aiming to rise the ranks this campaign.

Athelite Australian Emus Fixtures*

Day 2 Fixtures: July 16

• 2:50pm VS Wales

Day 3 Fixtures: July 17

• 11:30am VS England
• 3:40pm VS United States

Day 4 Fixtures: July 18

• 10:40am VS New Zealand

Day 5 Fixtures: July 19

• 9:40am Qualifying Final
• 9:40am Elimination Final
• 3:45pm Major Semi Final
• 3:45pm Minor Semi Final

Day 6 Fixtures: July 20

• 11:30am Preliminary Final
• 11:30am Playoff
• 5:00pm Grand Final

*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 55s draw in its entirety, CLICK HERE

Last Word: Achieving 100 caps and a Gold Medal in the same game? It’s a real possibility!

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