Frequently asked questions

Everything people usually ask before their first Thursday at the Kreuzbleiche. If your question is not here, send it through the Join us form.

What is touch rugby?

Touch rugby is a no-contact version of rugby. There is no tackling: when a defender touches the player carrying the ball, that player stops, puts the ball on the ground and a team-mate picks it up so play restarts. You pass backwards, you never kick, and you score by grounding the ball over the opposition line. Teams are mixed, with women and men of all ages playing together.

When do you play?

We play on Thursday evenings at the Kreuzbleiche in St. Gallen. Kick-off is between 18:00 and 18:30 and we finish around 20:00. We need at least ten people for a game, so a poll goes out in our WhatsApp group every week. We play all year round, and in the darkest winter weeks we sometimes switch to a run for a couple of months or move the game to a Sunday afternoon.

Where do you play?

On the Kreuzbleiche, the public sports ground next to the Militärkantine in St. Gallen. The coordinates are 47.4206392, 9.3600015. It is a few minutes on foot from the main station and the old town, and there is no gate, no clubhouse and nothing to book. Walk onto the grass and look for the group warming up.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. There is no membership fee, no season ticket and no equipment to buy. We are not a registered club and we do not collect money from anyone. The only thing we ask is that you come along with some regularity, for the rugby, for the beers afterwards, ideally for both. People who disappear for months get taken out of the WhatsApp group, and they are welcome back whenever they reappear.

What do I need to bring?

Shorts, a T-shirt and, ideally, football or rugby boots with moulded studs. Trainers are fine on dry ground but you will slide in the wet. Bring water, and if you fancy it, a couple of beers and something to eat for afterwards. You do not need a ball, a kit or any club colours.

Do you play in the Swiss Touch League?

No. Touch Switzerland runs a proper league and we are not part of it. Our games are friendly, unranked and organised week by week, and the point is to enjoy the evening rather than to win anything. If you want competitive touch rugby with fixtures and results, the Swiss Touch League is the right place to look.

Where can I play full-contact rugby in St. Gallen?

If you want the full-contact version, St. Gallen has two clubs: the Bishops for men and the Cindies for women. Both play proper rugby with tackling, scrums and a real season, and you will find them at bishops.ch. Several people play with them and come to our Thursday games as well.

Do I need experience?

No. Most people who join us have never played rugby of any kind, and touch is a good way to start: no tackles, no scrums, and rules simple enough to explain in a few minutes on the pitch. We use simplified house rules rather than the full rule book. If you can run a bit and catch a ball, you will be fine on your first evening.

Can I just turn up?

You can, and people do, but it is better to fill in the form on our Join us page first. That way we add you to the WhatsApp group, you see the weekly poll and you know whether the game is actually on before you walk down to the Kreuzbleiche. Some Thursdays we do not reach ten people and the session does not happen.

Anything else I should know?

One thing. We are a group of private individuals, not an official club, so everyone takes part at their own risk and under their own insurance. We accept no liability for injuries, damage or theft. Beyond that: turn up, play, and if you can stay for a drink afterwards, even better.