by benj | Aug 13, 2025 | Latest News
From August 7th to 10th, the C.ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour played host to the International Tag Series 2025, bringing together over 30 nations in a vibrant celebration of heritage, pride, and elite tag competition. Despite some inconsistent weather, nothing could dampen the energy or the camaraderie that defined the weekend.
A Tournament Like No Other
The ITS serves as a unique platform for players to represent their heritage, blending sport with cultural pride. This year, the tournament doubled as a critical development event for emerging nations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with no senior Tagaroo teams competing due to the earlier Trans Tasman competition. Junior Tagaroos featured in the boys and girls 16s and 18s divisions, getting their first taste of international competition and setting the stage for future glory.
Opening Ceremony Ignites the Crowd
The opening ceremony was a standout moment. A powerful showcase of heritage pride as each team marched onto the field, waving their flags with honour. The war cries and hakas from Samoa and Niue stirred the crowd, while the fierce face-off between Indigenous Australia and the New Zealand Stingrays gave goosebumps, setting the tone for an unforgettable tournament kickoff.
Fierce Competition and Memorable Matches
Competition over the weekend was fierce across multiple divisions. The Stingrays Men’s 20s and Mixed Seniors both captured titles in memorable fashion. Led by Tawana, the husband of the late Mele whose name was worn close to their hearts, the Stingrays fought with passion and heart. Tawana coached the Men’s 20s to victory and also played a pivotal role on the field securing the Mixed Seniors crown.
One of the tournament’s most thrilling moments came in the Mixed 20s Grand Final, where Samoa Australia clinched the win in the dying moments thanks to Karnye Thompson’s dramatic corner try. The Irish Exiles came into the tournament without a tournament win and ended up leaving with 3 medals across the Women’s 20s, Men’s 50s and their most dominat team Mixed Open’s. Their Mixed Opens team arguably one of the best teams all tournament emphasised by their convincing win over the Indigenous Australia side.
The China Women’s Opens made a strong statement as a dark horse heading into the World Cup, finishing undefeated and knocking off powerhouse teams including Australia Indigenous, Vietnam, and the Great Britain Exiles in the finals.
Great Britain emerged as the overall nations champions, a testament to their dominance as they featured heavily in finals across divisions.
Division Winners
- Boys 16s: Australia
- Boys 18s: Australia
- Men’s 20s: New Zealand
- Men’s Opens: Indigenous Australia
- Men’s 30s: Indigenous Australia
- Men’s 35s: Great Britain
- Men’s 40s: Samoa Australia
- Men’s 50s: Irish Exiles
- Men’s 60s: Barbarians
- Girls 16s: Australia
- Girls 18s: Australia
- Women’s 20s: Irish Exiles
- Women’s Open: China
- Women’s 27s: Great Britain
- Women’s 37s: Indigenous Australia
- Women’s 47s: Queensland Orchids
- Mixed 20s: Samoa Australia
- Mixed Opens: Irish Exiles
- Mixed Seniors: New Zealand
Beyond the Field: Cultural Exchange and Legacy
The tournament was as much about cultural exchange as competition, with teams sharing traditions, war cries, and stories that enrich the ITS experience. The event attracted strong media coverage including NBN News and 7 Coast, amplifying the reach of this growing international event:
Looking forward, the ITS continues to be a vital stepping stone toward the 2026 Tag World Cup, helping emerging nations gain invaluable international experience and grow the sport worldwide.
Thank You
A huge thanks to all the teams, volunteers, officials, and partners who made the International Tag Series 2025 a success. Together, you’re building more than a tournament, you’re growing a global community united by heritage and the love of tag. If you are still missing the action, recap the tournament with all the photos here.
by benj | Aug 3, 2025 | Latest News
At every International Tag Event, we see moments of brilliance on the field. Tries, dives, and unforgettable plays, but it’s what happens off the field that often leaves the deepest impression.
This past weekend, the New Zealand Stingrays reminded us that ITS is more than just a tournament. It’s a place where connection, culture, and community shine through. A moment that captured this came when the NZ contingent unveiled a special jersey in honour of Mele Ta’ufo’ou Rhind a beloved member of the Stingrays whānau who sadly passed away earlier this year, in April.
The tribute was a surprise for her husband Tawana (Tee), the Stingrays’ Vice President, long-time Men’s 21s coach, and a cornerstone of the contingent. Unbeknownst to him, the team had been working behind the scenes to design a jersey that would carry Mele’s memory onto the field. At the heart of the design is a yellow heart, Mele’s favourite colour with her name at its centre. Her son William who will be lining up for the Men’s 21s side will also proudly rep the jersey, carrying not only his teams legacy but the memory of his mother into every match. William, Tee and the entire Stingrays club will now wear her over their hearts for the tournament.
Mele’s impact on the Stingrays cannot be overstated. She and Tawana ran TnM Sportswear, which has produced the Stingrays’ playing and supporter gear for the past two years. Beyond her work off the field, Mele was hands-on in the Stingrays program, serving as team manager for the Men’s 21s in 2024. Her steady presence and behind-the-scenes work supported not just Tawana, but dozens of players and staff who relied on her commitment and care.
The jersey tribute also features a whakataukī, a traditional Māori proverb, which has become a guiding message for the Stingrays:
I te pōuri o te pō
E pīata ana ngā whetū
Ko koe tērā
Tō mātou ipo
Kua rere ki runga 🕊️
Translation:
In the gloom of the night,
The stars shining,
We see you our beloved,
Who’ve flown to the heavens.
Lining the top V of the jersey, these words offer a powerful reminder that even in grief, we carry our loved ones with us. For the Stingrays, this jersey is more than a uniform, it’s a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and unity. It speaks to the idea that even in the darkest moments, our connections endure. We see our loved ones in the stars, in the game, and in each other.
“He Waka Eke Noa” a waka we are all in together, is another whakataukī that sits at the core of the Stingrays’ identity. It reminds us that the strength of this contingent lies in its togetherness. For the Stingrays, ITS is not just about competition, but about carrying culture, community, and loved ones.
As the tournament continues, the Stingrays will play with Mele close to their hearts. Her presence will be felt not just in yellow threads or poetic lines, but in every moment of pride, joy, and connection that defines this game.
by benj | Jul 29, 2025 | International, Latest News
For the first time in nearly a decade, Tonga will proudly return to the international Oztag arena with seven teams confirmed to attend the 2025 International Tag Series (ITS) this August.
After being absent from all international competitions since 2015, Tonga’s return is a major milestone not just for the players involved, but for the wider Tongan community, both in Australia and abroad. What began as a plan to enter two or three teams quickly grew beyond expectation following an overwhelming response to Expressions of Interest. Tonga will now be represented in Women’s Open, Women’s 20s, Mixed 20s, Mixed Open, Men’s 20s, Men’s Open, and Men’s 30s divisions.
Leading the Men’s 30s is Junior Lax Ahio, a former Tagaroos representative and co-captain of the Australian Men’s 30s team that won the 2023 Tag World Cup in Ireland. Now stepping into a player/coach role, Junior is embracing the opportunity to represent his heritage and play a vital role in re-establishing Tonga Oztag on the global stage.
“For me and my people, this is a huge achievement, something I didn’t think would ever happen,” Junior shared.
The road back hasn’t been easy. A lack of volunteers and resources had made it difficult for Tonga to sustain a representative pathway over the years. But with the 2026 Tag World Cup on the horizon, this ITS appearance is being seen as the first crucial step toward long-term growth and national representation.
“This return not only provides a rep pathway both locally and abroad,” said Junior, “but it gives aspiring young Tongans a platform to develop their skills, with hopes of one day making it to the NRL or NRLW.”
Looking forward, the team has ambitions to expand into more divisions by the World Cup, and discussions are underway around running development clinics in Tonga to nurture local talent and build a sustainable support network, similar to the impact Tonga has made in the international rugby league space.
Tonga’s return is more than a good news story. It’s a signal of what’s possible when culture, pride, and opportunity come together. We’re honoured to have them back.
by benj | Jul 28, 2025 | Latest News
Oztag has quietly been gaining momentum in Western Australia, with local competitions beginning to find their stride and a community of passionate players steadily growing. At the heart of this movement is Sean Majanggil, current President of Central Perth Districts (CPD) Oztag Association, who has spearheaded the development and growth of Oztag in Western Australia, laying the foundation for what is becoming a thriving Tag community across Perth and beyond. From grassroots engagement to state-level representation, Sean’s journey reflects the passion and persistence required to build a sport from the ground up.
A Passion for Oztag and a New Beginning in WA
Born and raised in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Sean has always had a strong connection to sport. With a background as a high school PDHPE teacher and eight years playing Oztag in the Souths competition, including representing Souths at the Australian Championships in the Mixed Opens division, he developed a deep appreciation for the game and its community.
In 2011, while visiting a good friend in Perth, Sean came across one of two Oztag competitions operating in WA. The energy and sense of community that night were immediately captivating. After speaking with the license holders at the time (Lesley Bunney, Jane Riddell, and Ange Terrell) he learned about the game’s roots in Perth and its passionate player base. Despite WA being heavily geared toward AFL, Sean saw the potential for Oztag to grow.
At that point, the directors were looking to step away but were eager to ensure the community they’d built was sustained. Sean proposed relocating to Perth, working alongside them to learn the ropes and continue developing the competition, and they agreed.
Building the CPD Oztag Association
Fast forward to today, and Sean is proud of how far Oztag has come in WA, even though he knows it’s only the beginning. Since taking on the license, he has helped establish a solid player base under the Central Perth Districts (CPD) Oztag Association, with senior Mixed and Men’s divisions running in Morley, Willagee, North Beach, and Rockingham.
The journey has included many milestones:
- WA representation at the Australian Championships (2016, 2018, 2019, 2023)
- Local State Cup tournaments, bringing together the best players from each district
- The launch of the Super-Series, which crowns the top Mixed team in Perth
These events have helped shape a strong and connected community while increasing visibility and participation.
What’s Next for Oztag in WA
The future of Oztag in WA is bright, with several exciting developments on the horizon:
- Two new senior district competitions launching in targeted areas
- A junior district competition to help nurture young talent
- Expanded State Cup and Super-Series tournaments, including teams from new districts
- Customised shorts merchandise for each district
- Two pre-season “Come and Try” tournaments scheduled for October 2025
- Junior clinics and referee training sessions throughout 2025
- A possible State of Origin-style tournament with Melbourne and South Australia
There is also excitement about WA’s increased presence at national events, including the Junior Nationals in coffs, which will give young WA players the chance to test themselves against the best from across the country.
Growing the Game, Growing the Community
Oztag is more than a game — it’s a platform for connection, growth, and development. With its accessibility and team-based spirit, Sean and his team believe it has an important role to play in the diverse and growing WA sporting landscape. The journey has only just begun, but with strong community support and national backing, the sky’s the limit.
The WA Oztag community is excited to see what comes next.
Follow @wa_oztag and @cpdoztag on social media to stay up to date with news, competitions, and events in WA.
by benj | Jul 7, 2025 | Latest News
The International Tag Series (ITS) returns from August 7–10, 2025, with Australian Oztag proudly hosting the tournament on behalf of the International Tag Federation. Held at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, this unique event offers players the opportunity to represent their cultural heritage rather than their country of residence, making it one of the most inclusive and diverse tournaments on the international Oztag calendar.
Unlike other international competitions, ITS will not feature any Senior Tagaroo teams. This decision reflects a broader goal to give developing nations more exposure and playing time on the international stage. However, Australia will still have a presence, with the Tagaroos competing in the 16s and 18s divisions. Offering young players their first opportunity to experience international tag and proudly represent their country.
Purpose & Vision
At its core, the International Tag Series is a celebration of cultural diversity through sport. Sanctioned by the International Tag Federation (ITF), the tournament is specifically designed for heritage nations, featuring players living in Australia alongside invited emerging nations from across the globe.
ITS is a development-focused event aimed at building international pathways and preparing nations for the 2026 Tag World Cup. It creates a platform for newer teams to gain valuable experience while growing the game in both participation and profile at a global level.
Teams, Talent & Heritage on Display
The 2025 International Tag Series will feature an exciting mix of global talent, with over 30 nations competing across 20 divisions. The event will bring together both emerging and established tag-playing nations in what promises to be one of the most culturally diverse and competitive tournaments to date. Importantly, it also gives players a meaningful chance to represent their heritage through the sport they love to play. Connecting identity with passion on an international stage.
Vietnam will once again be a nation to watch, fielding strong Men’s and Women’s Opens teams. The Men’s team were grand finalists at last year’s Australian Invitational Competition (AIC), while the Women’s side previously claimed bronze at the 2022 ITS tournament, proving their ability to perform on the big stage.
Veteran player Kathy Nguyen has been representing Vietnam for the past nine years. “It holds a big place in my heart,” she said. “Representing my heritage and my parents, who escaped a war-torn country to give me a better life, this is part of that better life.”
Former Tagaroo Sonny Soumpholhakdy also spoke about what the opportunity means: “It’s important. A lot of connection and a lot of pride representing Vietnam.”
Despite being one of the newer “Tribes” to international tag, the Irish Exiles have quickly established themselves as a strong and growing force. Since debuting at the ITS tournament in 2022, they’ve expanded from just 5 to 10 teams in three short years.
Founder and Men’s 40s player Paul Jenkins reflected on the growth: “Oztag’s creation of this competition opened the door for Aussie players with Irish heritage to connect with their roots and proudly represent it on an international stage. We’re incredibly grateful to Oztag for giving us the platform to build something truly special around the game we love.”
Two of their standout teams heading into the tournament are from the mixed divisions being their Mixed 20s and Mixed Opens. The 20s side narrowly lost to the Tagaroos in last year’s grand final, while the Opens team reached the semi-finals. With plenty of NSW and QLD State Cup talent across both squads, expect them to go deep into the tournament once again.
Australian Indigenous will return to the ITS with unfinished business. In last year’s AIC, their Men’s 30s side pushed the grand final to drop-off, narrowly missing gold in a heart-stopping finish against the Tagaroos. That close loss is sure to drive their campaign this year as they look to go one better. With talent across the board, their Men’s and Mixed Opens teams are also shaping up as strong contenders and will be well worth watching in Coffs Harbour.
Tiarne Mason will once again don the Indigenous Australia jersey at the upcoming ITS, representing her culture in the Mixed Opens division. A standout player who also competes for NSW at the Interstate Series, Tiarne has proudly played for Australian Indigenous Oztag since 2016. “I love that I get the opportunity to play a sport I love while representing my culture,” she shared. Reflecting on last year’s World Cup, she described it as her most memorable moment to date—taking the field in Mixed Opens alongside her brothers. “It was an awesome experience, and I’m super excited to play again in the upcoming ITS Tournament.”
Samoa is another nation to keep an eye on at this year’s International Tag Series. With more players reconnecting with their roots and proudly representing Samoa, their presence in the tournament continues to grow. Men’s Opens player and coach Kenny Aumua shared how much it means to him, saying, “Growing up Samoan taught me the core values in life. Representing the 685 on a big stage in a sport I love means the world because I am not just representing Samoa but also the name on my back.”
With over 10 teams entered in this year’s ITS, Samoa is showing serious intent. This momentum could inspire even more players to take the field, helping push them closer to the tournament’s top-tier nations.
What’s at Stake
There’s more than just bragging rights on the line at the 2025 International Tag Series. For many players, it’s a matter of pride, representing their culture or heritage on the international stage through a sport they love. The tournament also offers invaluable international experience, especially for emerging teams building toward elite competition. For coaches and squads with an eye on the 2026 Tag World Cup, it’s a crucial opportunity to test team structures, experiment with combinations, and give new players exposure to top-level competition.
The importance of the International Tag Series (ITS) continues to grow, especially as nations gear up for the 2026 Tag World Cup. ITF Chairman Chris Cowan described ITS as a key stepping stone, giving countries the chance to assess their progress and fine-tune their squads ahead of the sport’s biggest international event. He also highlighted the growing global reach of tag, with over 180 teams expected at both ITS and the World Cup, and noted the ITF’s continued efforts to support clinics and development programs across the Pacific.
“We welcome the culture associated with every country,” Cowan said, “and want to actively embrace that aspect in the lead-up and into the atmosphere of these world-class events.”
Matches throughout the tournament will be streamed live on Kayo Freebies, with additional coverage across Australian Oztag and International Tag Federation platforms. Photos, results, and regular updates will be shared via Instagram, Facebook, and the official website. Spectators are encouraged to attend and support their heritage nations.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement and witness the excellent tag talent from around the world.
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