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Hall of Fame
The WTA Hall of Fame has been established to recognise and honour the outstanding contribution of individuals to the development of Touch in Wales. This contribution can be as a player, coach, manager or volunteer.
Nominations for inductees into the hall of fame can be made by any member (individual, club or association) of the WTA. Nominations must be in writing and submitted to the Managing Director of the WTA Executive Board. Each nomination must be accompanied by a citation covering why the nominee should be inducted into the Hall of Fame and shall be submitted by the end of August each year.
The selection committee shall be the incumbent WTA Executive Board. Election onto the Hall of Fame shall be by simple majority of the selection committee.
The election of candidates shall take place at least once a year and shall be announced at the WTA AGM.
HALL OF FAME
2010 - Neil Perkins
2010 - Dave Swain
2010 - Moro Smith
2010 - Paul Nepia
Information on our Hall of Fame Members
Neil Perkins: Neil was one of the founder members of the Wales Touch Association in 1999, and has been a key individual in the development of the sport in Wales. Wales's most capped player, Neil was enlisted as the first Hall of Fame member for the WTA in 2010 as a recognition of his contibution to the game. Neil has been the Managing Director for the WTA for the last 3 years and has recently been re elected until 2015.
Paul Nepia : Touch was introduced to Wales in 1990 by the arrival of Paul Nepia and David Swain – two individuals who had developed a passion for the game in their native New Zealand. Paul Nepia set up tournaments at Canton RFC in Cardiff, Vale Touch at Barry RFC which lasted only briefly despite his enthusiasm in expanding Touch in his adopted country. He worked tirelessly to try and establish Touch as a sport in its own right often at great personal expense. Tragically Paul died on 23rd August 1998. His death was due to an asthma attack and he left behind a wife Joanne and two children Kowhai and Rhiannon. His family now reside back in his native New Zealand. Paul Nepia was son of George Nepia – a true NZ Legend.
Dave Swain: Dave, along with Paul Nepia founded Touch in Wales with Dave now running the largest Touch Module in Wales with over 100 teams. Dave is a Level 3 Touch referee and can often be seen at the major international tournaments representing Wales as an official. For his contibution in establishing the sport in Wales and his ongoing efforts and hard work, he was enlisted to the WTA Hall of Fame in 2010.
Moro Smith: Moro has been instrumental in bringing the game of Touch to Wales from as far back as 1990.
Having started his touch playing career back in New Zealand he moved to Wales, for the sunnier climate, and has assisted in developing the game through the principality. Moro has adopted numerous roles within Wales Touch including being part of the executive board, head coach, referee and player.
One of his finest achievements occurred in 2000 during the European Championships in Edinburgh. He lead the welsh squads as the head coach winning the Euros for the first time, a feat not replicated until Wales won the overall European Championship in 2010.
In 2010 Moro became one of a select few who have been awarded the special honour of inclusion in the Wales Touch “Hall of Fame” signifying the immense service he has given to the development of Touch in Wales.
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