Emus World Cup Preview: Women's 35s

The Women’s 35s division will be contested for the second time ever at a Touch World Cup, with Australia crowned the inaugural world champions in 2019. The 2019 team were almost flawless throughout the tournament, defeating New Zealand eight tries to nil in the final. However, five years is a long time in Touch Football and the landscape of the division looks far different to what it did in Malaysia. With the Silver medallists not competing in 2024, there’s an opportunity for history to be made as we’re guaranteed at least one new nation making it to the final.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Women’s 35s division.

 

Participating Teams

Pool Stage 

• Australia 

• England 

• Fiji 

• France 

• Ireland 

• Singapore 

• South Africa 

• Wales 

 

The Numbers That Matter

1 – Only one member of the inaugural Australian Women’s 35s side will return in 2024 in Serena Albert. She crossed the line five times in Malaysia, including scoring in the Gold Medal match against New Zealand. She’ll be looking to become the only two-time World Champion in the division. 

4 – In 2019, the Australian women only conceded four tries across seven games. With an incredible defensive record, the inaugural champions have certainly set a high standard for the 2024 contingent to meet.  

12 – Sarah Bowling led the way in the division with 12 tries for the Athelite Australian Emus. This included scoring four times in a single game against New Zealand. With the potential of playing an additional three games compared to 2019, this is one record that could be broken in 2024 and one that many Australians will be eyeing up.  

 

Toughest Match-Ups

England – The hosts will be looking to improve on their 2019 performance, in which they only took two wins against a combined European team. This time around, they’ll fancy their chances of improvement with plenty of experience in the side selected. Although the division wasn’t contested in 2023, England can still be considered the reigning European champions of the division, after their efforts in 2022. They were a class above two years ago in Nottingham and will be hoping they can achieve similar results back on home soil. Watch out for Kylie Hutchison of the London Scorpions, who is England’s all-time female try scorer (and second overall only to Ryan Miemcyzk) crossing the line 72 times for her nation, including five times at the World Cup level. 

Wales – England’s closest rivals on the road to European glory in 2022 came in the form of their Welsh neighbours. The Euro Silver medallists picked up impressive wins over Ireland and Scotland, while also gaining invaluable insight in their Grand Final defeat to England. The best moment of that tournament came from Rachel Letman’s late match-winner against Ireland, skipping past the defence to go over in the corner. Making their divisional debut, Wales played a warm-up game in June against the French Women’s Open side. 

Singapore – Making their World Cup debut in the division, Singapore will also be representing the Asian continent this July for the Women’s 35s. A mix of veterans and new talent, the Southeast Asian nation, will be feeling confident and ready to win silverware in Nottingham. Keep a close eye on player and head coach Maureen Thomson, who has scored eight tries at the World Cup level whilst representing the Women’s Open team. Her mix of attacking prowess and Touch Footy insight will be crucial to the success of this lineup. 

 

Athelite Australian Emus to Watch

Kelly Kennedy – Ron Hanson Medallist Kelly Kennedy is returning to the biggest stage for the fourth time in her career. Despite her substantial experience in the green and gold, she only has one Gold Medal to her name to date. Being named captain in 2024, she’ll be determined to add a second to her cabinet. At The Championships in March, she was a clear standout, earning Player of the Final honours in the Women’s 40s division as the Brisbane Cobras were crowned national champions. Look to the North Queenslander to be most impactful when scooping out from dummy half.  

Rachel McVicar – Rachel McVicar knows exactly what it takes to be a champion, winning Gold in Malaysia with the Senior Mixed contingent. Her efforts were recognised by earning Coach’s Award honours for her team. The NSW representative is known for being the ultimate team player, showing the adaptability to shift her role in the team for the betterment of everyone – but don’t doubt her individual attacking ability.  

 

Athelite Australian Emus Fixtures*

Day 2 Fixtures: July 16 

• 10:40am VS Wales 

• 2:50pm VS South Africa 

Day 3 Fixtures: July 17 

• 9:00am VS Singapore 

• 12:20pm VS Ireland 

Day 4 Fixtures: July 18 

• 12:20pm VS France 

• 3:40pm VS Fiji 

Day 5 Fixtures: July 19 

• 4:40pm VS England 

Day 6 Fixtures: July 20 

• 2:15pm Playoffs 

• 2:15pm Semi Finals 1, 2 

• 5:00pm Playoffs 

• 5:00pm Semi Finals 1, 2 

Day 7 Fixtures: July 21 

• 9:00am Bronze Medal 

• 10:00am 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 Women’s 35s draw in its entirety, CLICK HERE 
 

Last Word: With six of the eight nations making their debut in the division, Touch Football enthusiasts will be treated to several fresh matchups throughout the week. Despite the new competition, Australia are clear favourites to take home the Gold and maintain the high standards they established in 2019. 

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