I like rugby, but I don't like getting hurt. Let's try tag rugby!

If you don't want to get hurt, take up ballet.

I guess we'll start with the basic question, what is tag rugby?  Well, it is a sport, or to be more accurate, it is a pseudo sport based on rugby union.  Tag rugby follows the laws and game play of Rugby Union reasonably closely, the main exception being that no contact is permitted or encouraged.  The other differences to note is that there are no line outs or scrums in tag rugby.


So, where did it all begin?  According to http://www.trytagrugby.com the game originated in Australia sometime around 1992/1993 where it was used as a training aid by Rugby League teams.  The game quickly spread to New Zealand and other countries.  In Ireland, tag rugby is played during the summer and autumn months.  The season usually begins in May/June and runs until August/September.  


So, who plays tag rugby and is it an easy game to play if you've never played rugby before?  The simple answer is that everyone who wants to play tag rugby can play, the game is very simple; both to play and to understand.  Basically, if you can run forward and hold onto a rugby ball you're half way there.  There are various formats to allow players of all standards enjoy the game, such as mixed social leagues, mens leagues and senior mens leagues.  


How does one get involved with a team of like minded taggers?  I suppose teams are formed from three main sources.  A group of friends get together and form a team, a group of work colleagues get together and form a team or a team mates from a rugby club get together and form a team.  Don't worry, if your team is new to the game you won't be playing against team made up of AIL Division 1 rugby players. Yikes! That would be scary. No, instead your team will be assessed and placed in a league suitable to your skill level.


OK, so who organizes these tag rugby tournaments and leagues?  The main two bodies involved in the organizing of tag rugby tournaments and leagues are, the IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union) and ITRA (Irish Tag Rugby Association), sometimes charities will organize a tag rugby tournament but they will be assisted by either organisation in the running of such an event.  Also, there are a number of beach tag tournaments on across the summer in various locations, more info can be found by clicking on the links below.


To find out more check out the following sites: www.irishrugby.ie/tagrugby and www.tagrugby.ie

So, there we go, a brief introduction to tag rugby.  Next time we will explore the basic laws of the game.