The Australian Emus have delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup (APSTC) in Utsunomiya, Japan, returning home with seven gold and three silver medals following four days of international Touch Football.
Competing from 7–10 October, Australia was represented across ten divisions, with every team progressing to their respective Grand Final in an impressive display of talent, experience and determination on the international stage.
Grand Final day delivered plenty of memorable moments, from dominant attacking performances to tightly contested trans-Tasman battles, with the Australian Emus securing seven victories from ten deciders.
Australia's Men's 30s produced one of the standout performances of the day, defeating traditional rivals New Zealand 11–3 to claim gold and complete an undefeated tournament campaign. Jayden Love, Matteson Gear and Nick Grant each recorded doubles in the decider, while Nicholas Foxcroft capped off an impressive campaign as the team's leading try scorer with 14 across the tournament.
The Senior Mixed team was equally impressive, producing a commanding 12–3 victory over the Philippines to secure another gold medal. The victory capped off an unbeaten campaign for the Australians, with Cassandra Feldman among the standout performers throughout the competition, finishing with an impressive 18 tries.
Meanwhile, Australia's Women's 27s were involved in one of the closest Grand Finals of the tournament, narrowly falling 2–1 to New Zealand in a hard-fought trans-Tasman encounter. Despite the result, the Emus enjoyed a strong campaign, with Keely Silva leading the team's attacking efforts with 13 tries across the competition.
Australia's success extended across the remaining divisions, with the Men's 35s delivering a dominant 7–0 victory over New Zealand, while the Men's 40s (5–3), Men's 45s (6–5), Men's 55s (6–2) and Women's 40s (3–1) also secured gold medals against their trans-Tasman rivals.
The Women's 35s and Men's 50s added to Australia's medal tally with silver medals, ensuring all ten Australian teams finished on the podium.
The tournament also marked a number of significant international appearance milestones, recognising the dedication and longevity of athletes and coaches who have proudly represented Australia across multiple campaigns.
Men's 50s representatives Tony Eltachki and Tim Kitchingham celebrated reaching 100 international games, while teammate Garry Sonda achieved the 75-game milestone.
Three representatives reached 50 international games, with a further 12 celebrating their 25th international appearances across playing and coaching roles.
Australian referee Anthony Smith also achieved a significant milestone, earning his 100th international refereeing cap during the tournament, recognising his longstanding contribution to Touch Football on the international stage.
2026 Australian Emus International Appearance Milestones
100 International Games
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Tony Eltachki (Emu #136) – Men's 50s, Player
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Tim Kitchingham – Men's 50s, Player/Coach
75 International Games
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Garry Sonda (Emu #117) – Men's 50s, Player
50 International Games
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Jamie Stowe (Emu #123) – Men's 50s, Player
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Kelly Kennedy (Emu #114) – Women's 35s, Player
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Derek Duguid – Men's 55s, Player
25 International Games
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Jay Miller – Women's 35s, Coach/Player
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Nicholas Pecchiar – Men's 30s, Coach
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Luke Simmons – Men's 30s, Player
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Kelly Goodwin – Senior Mixed, Player
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Cassandra Vincitorio – Senior Mixed, Player
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Tommy Quinlivan – Men's 35s, Player
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Michelle Evans – Women's 35s, Player
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Tahney Luck – Women's 35s, Player
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Davina Galetto – Women's 40s, Player
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Brad Lugg – Men's 40s, Player
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Paul MacPherson – Men's 50s, Player
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James Marks – Men's 55s, Player
100 International Refereeing Caps
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Anthony Smith – Referee
Among the individual honours awarded throughout the campaign, Danny Goodwin was named the recipient of the prestigious Phil Smith Award, recognising his outstanding passion, enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to the Australian team environment.
Voted by fellow members of the Australian touring party, the award recognises an individual who embodies Australian spirit throughout an international campaign. Goodwin's unwavering positivity, selflessness and team-first attitude, alongside his willingness to support, coach and encourage those around him, made him a deserving recipient of the tour's highest individual honour.
Individual team awards were also presented across all ten divisions, recognising athletes for their contributions, leadership and performances throughout the campaign.
2026 Australian Emus Team Award Recipients
Women's 27s
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Player's Player: Kayla Mi Mi
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Coaches Award: Emma Williams
Men's 30s
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Player's Player: Christopher Tito Tafa Chung and Kyle Hadwen
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Coaches Award: Lincoln Little
Senior Mixed
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Player's Player: Cassie Vincitorio and Justin Gossage
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Coaches Award: Jarrad Rotumah
Men's 35s
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Player's Player: Ben Wieczorek
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Coaches Award: William Petrosanec
Women's 35s
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Player's Player: Kelly Kennedy
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Coaches Award: Claire Stone and Kimberley Latimore
Men's 40s
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Player's Player: Darren Nosti
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Coaches Award: Mitchel Brown
Women's 40s
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Player's Player: Kylie Stewart
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Coaches Award: Christie Hendrie
Men's 45s
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Player's Player: Aaron Jones
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Coaches Award: Daniel Hamilton
Men's 50s
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Player's Player: Les Smith
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Coaches Award: Craig Neilan
Men's 55s
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Player's Player: Mark Leonard
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Coaches Award: David Merrill
Finishing with seven gold medals, three silver medals and ten Grand Final appearances, the Australian contingent demonstrated the depth of talent and continued strength of the nation's senior Touch Football pathways.
Touch Football Australia congratulates all athletes, coaches, managers, referees and support staff on their achievements and thanks the Federation of International Touch, tournament organisers, officials and volunteers for delivering a successful international event.
Relive the action: Watch the Australian Emus' Grand Final performances on the Federation of International Touch YouTube channel.
2026 Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup – Australian Emus Grand Final Results
Gold Medal Winners
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Men's 30s: Australia defeated New Zealand 11–3
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Senior Mixed: Australia defeated Philippines 12–3
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Men's 35s: Australia defeated New Zealand 7–0
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Women's 40s: Australia defeated New Zealand 3–1
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Men's 40s: Australia defeated New Zealand 5–3
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Men's 45s: Australia defeated New Zealand 6–5
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Men's 55s: Australia defeated New Zealand 6–2
Silver Medal Winners
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Women's 27s: Australia lost to New Zealand 1–2
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Women's 35s: Australia lost to New Zealand 3–4
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Men's 50s: Australia lost to New Zealand 2–4
