Open trials for the Irish Tag Panels
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Open trials for the Irish Tag Panels


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Did you know you can play tag for Ireland? We're hosting trials for our world cup 2026 squads!




Ireland is entering 9 teams in the 2026 ITF Tag World Cup in Coff's Harbour, Australia. This is a trial for these teams. A travel programme has been arranged from 7th to 20th October and with some adjustment for sponsorship and association funding, the trip is largely self-funded. Please review the arrangements at the enclosed link before nominating yourself for trial. 


Ireland will host the British & Irish Cup on 1st & 2nd August 2026. This will represent a further opportunity for international caps, but will be limited to a handful of players and no one squad is guaranteed to be able to accommodate players from outside the world cup panel. 


We strongly encourage trialists who have a strong sporting background in other ball and/or field sports regardless of tag experience. Tag is a suitable "transfer" sport for players who are looking for a new challenge where their athleticism and skills are transferrable. 



You're eligible to play for Ireland if you were born here, have completed three years of uninterrupted residency up to your first cap, or have an Irish parent or grandparent. There are no exceptions to this. 


For successful trialists, this event may result in an opportunity to be selected for the relevant team's 2026 training panel. This means you will be invited to join a programme of weekend training, completing for selection for international tournaments. 28-30 players are usually selected for training panels, and a tournament squad is typically 20 players. 

Trials are open to all players who have not represented Ireland in international tag.


A separate invitational trial will be held in the same day. Players who have represented Ireland in international tag may be invited to attend a trial by arrangement with the relevant team coach.



Full details will be emailed to registered attendees in advance of the trial date.

Ireland's international squads for the World Cup are: 


  • Men's Open (born any year)

  • Men's Seniors (born in or before 1996)

  • Men's Masters (born in or before 1986)

  • Women's Open (born any year)

  • Women's Seniors (born in or before 1999)

  • Mixed Open (Born any year)

  • Mixed Seniors (M born in or before 1993, F born in or before 1996)

  • Men's 50s (M born in or before 1976)

  • Men's 60s (M born in or before 1966)



In the event that registrations exceed available supply of trial places, it may be necessary to filter applicants or arrange additional opportunities to be seen by an international coach. You will receive an email from performance@tagrugby.ie in December if you are invited to trial on the basis of your registration. 

 
 
 
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