State of Origin also returns to the calendar for 2024.
The Irish Tag Rugby Association is delighted to announce its programme of events for 2024, including the return of the legendary annual Pig 'N' Porter festival held in partnership with Old Crescent RFC and the State of Origin competition.
Details, dates, and formats for each of the events are below:
Super Saturday - Saturday 16th March, Pembroke Cricket Club (Monkstown RFC)
Launched early last week, this annual event is well over 50% full already. This is an individual sign-up event held on the final day of the Men's Six Nations Championship (AKA Super Saturday), and features teams representing each of the participating nations.
You sign up as an individual, and a captain representing each team will "draft" you onto a team. You are guaranteed a place once signed up. The fixtures follow the format of the tournament itself, e.g. France play Ireland on pitch 1 in round 1, and we're done and dusted well in time to watch the 2.15pm kick-off in the club bar.
State of Origin - Saturday 18th May, Portlaoise RFC
State of Origin pits teams representing Leinster against their Munster counterparts in a series of games across all levels. The province with the most overall wins takes hope the Championship - it's as simple as that.
The host for this event is Portlaoise RFC, whose magnificent facilities are located half-way between the tag strongholds of Leinster and Munster. With a huge amount of space and lots of transport options, this is the perfect meet-me-in-the-middle venue.
There are three ways to get involved in State of Origin:
Invitational teams at Men's Open, Women's Open, Mixed Open and Men's 40s pit the best of the best against each other in full-length games. Coaches for this will be announced next week.
You can join a team as an individual and play with and against people of a similar standard
You can enter a team to represent either Leinster or Munster and play with your usual team-mates against teams from the other province
Registration for this event opens on the week of 29th January following announcement of coaches and format.
Corporate Tag Cup 2024 - Friday 7th June, Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club
The Corporate Cup is a staple ITRA event, now in its 15th year. It's a night out on the pitch for teams of people who work together, and attracts teams from industries like law, finance, accountancy, tech - but also school teachers, outdoor events companies, and everything else you could imagine.
The event is held in Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club own Serpentine Avenue, close to Sandymount DART , the RDS, and Ballsbridge Village. With a bar on site and in the middle of a business hub, it's the ideal location for a night out for your team.
You can register a team at this link.
Dublin Tag Festival - Saturday 15th June, St. Mary's College RFC
Following a highly successful inaugural year in which 42 teams took part, Dublin Tag Festival is back with a bang on Saturday 15th June. The event is played across 10 pitches and features DJs, food trucks, and an after-party in the St. Mary's College RFC bar.
This year's event involves:
A large mixed social grade, with a maximum of 3 Prem players/2 international players per team. This competition will be appropriately graded based on the teams who sign up, meaning you will play most of your games against opposition at a similar standard. (Register HERE)
A National Club Championships for existing Premiership teams from across Ireland and beyond. International Quota shall apply in respect of this event. Squads are limited to 14 players. (Register HERE)
A National Championships at Men's Masters, for players over the age of 35. (Register HERE)
Pig 'N' Porter - Saturday 6th July, Old Crescent RFC & Crescent Comprehensive School
The world-famous Pig 'N' Porter is back in 2024! The event is jointly organised by ITRA and Old Crescent RFC at their grounds in Raheen and the adjacent grass pitches owned by Crescent Comprehensive SJ.
Team registration for PNP launches in early February - so get planning!
This tournament has a reputation world-over for being great fun on and off the pitch, and has attracted teams from all over Ireland in addition to the UK, France, South Africa, and Australia.
Pig 'N' Porter 2024 is a fully mixed social event. Teams are a maximum of 14 people, and your registration fee covers 14 people playing tag rugby during the day and attending the notorious after-party at the rugby club after tag.
Teams will be graded in accordance with their usual level of competition.
ITRA is partnering with the University of Limerick to provide convenient, affordable accommodation options for the weekend of the tournament. Beds can be booked here but only after you have booked a team at tagrugby.ie. We will provide UL with regular updates of registered teams.
Tag National Championships (Nationals) - Saturday 20th July, Portlaoise RFC
Our annual national championships involves invitational representative teams from Dublin, North Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Galway, Kildare, the University of Limerick, and others. They compete for the overall title of National Champions, in addition to category titles at Women's Open, Men's Open, Mixed Open, Mixed Development, and Men's 40s.
This year's event takes place over one day at Portlaoise RFC on Saturday 20th July. Players who wish to represent Ireland at the 2024 British & Irish Cup in August must play at this event. Further details will be communicated directly to regional organisers.
British & Irish Cup - Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August, University College Dublin
The 2024 British & Irish Cup is the latest in a long-running annual series between representative sides from Ireland and Great Britain. You have to be selected to play at this event. Details can be found here.
ITRA is also planning two additional events in early and late September which we think you'll really love. Stay tuned for an announcement or two in due course.