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Inaugural Tag Rugby "County Championships" attracts huge numbers

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260 Players to Compete in ITRA’s First-Ever County Championships

This Saturday 9th August, 260 players from 14 counties – and Japan – will take to the field in the Irish Tag Rugby Association’s first-ever County Championships at University College Dublin. A total of 22 teams will compete for provincial and national glory in this landmark event.



Tag rugby is Ireland’s leading mixed social sport, with more than 15,000 active players nationwide in 2025. Adapted from rugby league, tag replaces the tackle with the simple act of removing a velcro “tag” from an opponent’s shorts – making it a fast, skillful and accessible game for all.


While the sport is strongest in Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Galway, the ITRA saw an opportunity to unite players from across Ireland – many living away from home – to pull on their county colours. In partnership with world-leading tag rugby kit supplier Oztag Equipment Supplies (Sydney), the Association has created a range of county-inspired jerseys for the tournament.


The championships will open with a provincial grading phase: two groups from Leinster, two from Munster, and one from Connacht, which will also feature Team Japan. Taking inspiration from New York and London’s inclusion in the Connacht Gaelic football championship, Team Japan is made up of Japanese expats who have recently taken up tag rugby in Ireland. Tag enjoys strong popularity in Japan, which is widely tipped to host the Tag Rugby World Cup in 2029.


Following the grading phase, teams will progress to knockout competitions at three levels:

  • Senior Championships (teams ranked 1–8)

  • Intermediate Championships (teams ranked 9–16)

  • Junior Championships (teams ranked 17–22)


High demand in some counties has led to the creation of both Senior and Junior sides.


Counties & Teams

Munster

  • Clare

  • Cork Senior & Junior

  • Limerick Senior & Junior

  • Tipperary Senior & Junior

  • Kerry

  • Waterford


Connacht

  • Mayo Senior & Junior

  • Sligo

  • Galway

  • Japan


Leinster

  • Kildare

  • Meath

  • Wicklow

  • Wexford

  • South Dublin Senior & Junior

  • North Dublin Senior & Junior


Media & Event Enquiries:Jack Leahy – 083 303 8519

 
 
 

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