Following the tragic passing of Simon Yarrow last year, the English and Scottish Touch Associations have agreed to contest a trophy - the Yarrow Memorial Cup - between the two most senior international representative sides. This year that will be the respective Mens 35 teams, a move that has the full backing of FIT and the Euros organising committee.

After hearing about the trophy, Central Scotland Touch Association President and M35 player, Euan Kerr commented: "I had the pleasure of playing with Simon at a previous European Championships so it's a massive honour for me to contest the inaugural match.  It's a real boost for the squad to know there is this extra incentive and I hope we'll do Simon proud with our performance on the pitch."

Simon Yarrow had devoted much of his life to the development of Touch as a player, referee and coach over a 17 year period.  He played for Scotland at senior level - latterly for the Mens 30s team which reached the final at the 2008 European Championships in Paris.  After relocating to Cambridge, Simon played and coached for the England Mens 40s team. The trophy will therefore commemorate Simon's contribution to Senior mens Touch as well as providing added incentive for the sport at senior level.

Simon's family have insisted on commissioning the trophy, in recognition of the joy the sport had given Simon and during a recent visit to Edinburgh they were delighted to present the cup to STA President Peter Faassen de Heer.  Peter said: "I want to thank Simon's family for the trophy -  it's a beautiful piece of work.  I love that it has a rose on one side and thistle on the other, with the inscription on the Scottish side of course!  It's a fitting tribute and should provide a lasting legacy to Simon's involvement in the sport.