A Nottinghamshire detective has been selected as part of a touch rugby team that will be travelling to Australia to compete in the sport’s World Cup next year.
Detective Constable Kate Hyde is one of 16 people to make the final selection for England’s Women’s 27 touch rugby team who will compete for the world title in April 2015.
DC Hyde, 35, has worked for Nottinghamshire Police for 11 years in West Bridgford and was selected along with seven other members of her home team, The Nottingham Hoods.
However, only DC Hyde and one other player from her home team got into the national team, with the other members being selected for other categories including Men’s Open, Women’s Open and Senior’s Mixed squads.
The sporty detective said: “I am very excited to be selected for the Women’s 27.
“This is the fourth tournament where I’ll have the honour of representing England in touch rugby since 2012, but by far is the most important as it is the World Cup.”
Touch rugby isn’t exactly the same as the game of rugby most people know.
The game is a fast paced, minimal contact form of rugby which can be played and enjoyed by men and women of all ages.
Instead of tackling one another like in traditional rugby, players touch their opponents with their hands or any part of the body, clothing or ball and this is instead considered a tackle.
Raising money
DC Hyde said: “This is an amazing opportunity, especially as its going back to the birth place of touch rugby.
“We can’t wait to go and play the Aussies and Kiwis in their own back yard.”
The selected team are now working to raise around £3000 each to fund flight and accommodation costs for their trip to Australia.
The team will also be hosting an event night in London on December 6 which will involve games and a raffle, with prizes donated by families, friends and various companies.
Chief Constable at Nottinghamshire Police, Chris Eyre, said he is delighted that DC Hyde and her team will be heading to Australia to compete.
He said: “Training is going to be tough as I can imagine but I am sure, with Kate’s determination and enthusiasm, she will do really well.”
For more information or to make a donation you can visit the team’s fundraising webpage on ‘Gofundme.’
