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Tag Rugby

Tag rugby is a great introduction to the sport and is similar to the traditional game, but each player wears shorts with velcro patches and two tags attached. Attacking players attempt to dodge, evade, and pass the ball while defenders attempt to prevent them scoring by 'tagging' - pulling a velcro tag from the ball carrier. It is a fun, non-contact version of the sport suitable for all ages to play together.

See Also:
Rugby League
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An Overview of Tag Rugby

Tag rugby is an easy game to learn, and there are many players who have never played any form of rugby before. It can be played by players of varying levels of fitness. Although games are 40-minutes long, rolling substitutes are permitted, allowing you to come off the pitch for a breather as many times as you want. Regardless of your starting fitness, it is a great way to improve your fitness and stay healthy.

Seven players in each team are allowed on the field at a time. The attacking team has six plays or tags to try to score a try or take the ball downfield as close to the line as possible. Tries are worth one point and there are no conversions. In mixed Tag Rugby, female tries are worth two points.

Benefits

  • All-inclusive
  • Great for beginners
  • Can be played anywhere
  • A safer sport
  • Installs positive values
  • Promotes teamwork

Adaptations and Equipment

  • Played with a tag rugby ball.
  • Players wear either a tag rugby belt or tag rugby shorts. These have velcro patches that carry two ribbons. The two ribbons must be positioned on either side of the hips.
  • Appropriate footwear for playing on grass.

Facts

  • Tag rugby began in Australia as a training aid for rugby league teams. Former St George Dragons halfback Perry Haddock founded the sport while coaching the 1992 St George under 20 side.
  • Whilst Tag Rugby was played in small pockets of interest in England, the game never really had a foothold until 2008/09.
  • The pitch can be between 35 and 70 metres long depending on the format. 7-a-side and 8-a-side pitches are between 42 and 50 metres wide, with 6-a-side pitches being between 30 and 35 metres wide. A typical standard tag pitch runs across half a full-sized rugby or football pitch, making two tag pitches on a full-sized pitch. No posts are necessary.

Find Tag Rugby Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

National Governing Bodies

Rugby League

Contact Name
General Enquiries
Contact Email
enquiries@rfl.uk.com
Contact Telephone
0844 477 7113
Rugby Union

RUGGERBUGS LTD

Established in early 2007, RUGGERBUGS is a multi-award winning, fun, and exciting motor skills development programme based around non-contact rugby for girls and boys, from walking to seven years.