b'AUSTRALIA BROUGHT HOME THE2019WORLD CUPThe 2019 Touch World Cup (TWC) was held in Malaysiainternational game and David Baggio was once again from 28th April to 4th May in Putrajaya, Malaysia, withranked as the number one referee in the world by the a total of 28 nations taking part.Federation of International Touch (FIT). After losses to New Zealand in a few divisions (theAustralian Mens Open Coach Tony Trad earned his Womens 27s, the Mens 40s and the Mens 50s), Australia100th international cap at the event before retiring from had to fight hard to bring home the Cup.international coaching after the events end. Mick Lovett also retired from his position as Mixed Open Coach after But the newly named Emus teams finished strong, beatingseven outstanding years.New Zealand in all three Opens finalswinning 4-3 in the Mens Open, 10-2 in the Womens Open, and 7-6 inAnd Indigenous Australian player Marikki Watego was the Mixed Open.surprised to be appointed as captain of the Womens Open team for the very first time ever for their game South Africa made it to the Grand Final in the Mens 30s,against Samoa when the Emus had the special experience though Australia defeated them 19-4. While the Cookof wearing their Indigenous jersey for the first time.Islands made it to the big dance in the Mixed 30s before going down 6-3 to the Aussies. All teams toughed it out in extreme heat and also the occasional lightning storm. TFA would like to thank the Congratulations to the following Australian players whohard-working coaches, assistant coaches and team were named Players of the Final for their respectivemanagers, as well as medical staff and physios, who divisions: Stuart Brierty for Mens Open, Hayley Maddickhelped players cope in the heat. for Womens Open, Corey Russell for Mixed Open, Anna Gleeson for Womens 35s, Brad Lugg for Mixed 30s,TFA would also like to thank the FIT for putting on a Sebe Rey for Mens 30s, Dave Zanette for Mens 35s andfantastic event, FIT Touch Malaysia for hosting, the Paul Thomasson for Mens 45s.referees who attended from Australia and around the world to make the event possible, all our Opens and Other highlights for Australia included appointing ourMasters Emus athletes for their passion and dedication flagbearers, Mens Open captain Nick Good, Womensto their sport and the country, as well as our competitor Open captain Jess McCall, Mens 50s Rob Day and Mixednations for providing excellent competition. The event Open Coach Mick Lovett. indicated fantastic things to come for the sport of Touch Australian referee Luke McKenzie officiated his 100thFootball around the world.18|Keeping In Touch 201877195_NSWTA-KeepingInTouchMagazine-2019.indd 18 2/12/19 3:21 pm'