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.
The highly anticipated Trans Tasman Test Series is set to make a return on New Zealand soil in April, 2025.
It is with great pleasure, Australian Oztag can officially announce the return of the Trans-Tasman Test Series in New Zealand in 2025.
The City of Auckland will be hosting this event at Bruce Pulman Park, with the Tagaroos taking on their Trans-Tasman rivals in the ultimate showdown on their turf.
The last Trans-Tasman was in 2018, with the scheduled 2020 tournament having to be cancelled due to COVID.
New Zealand Tag Football CEO, Claude Iusitini speaks about the return of Trans Tasman and the challenge it holds for the mighty Tag Blacks.
“The last Trans Tasman Series in New Zealand was drawn in 2018, with both nations winning 7 age group divisions a piece,” Iusitini said.
“This series will no doubt be a challenge for our New Zealand Tag Blacks teams and once again will take on the underdogs status in all 15 divisions,”
“We’re very excited to again host the Australian Tagaroos next year in what will be a highly competitive test match series,” he said.
2025 will see the Tag Blacks and the Tagaroos go head-to-head across 15 divisions in a five-game Test Match Series with the best players from both Nations showing their skill, speed and competitive spirit in what is regarded as one of the toughest tournaments in Tag.
The Trans-Tasman Tag Series has a rich history dating back to the mid 1990’s, where the two Nations would compete against each other, and whilst the years may have passed, the competitive nature and spirit of the two Nations is still as strong as ever.
The 2025 Trans-Tasman will no doubt showcase plenty of high-quality tag and a mutual respect that has players from both Nations bringing their A-Game.
2025 Trans Tasman Tag Series
Date: April 4-6, 2025
Venue: Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland, NZ
Divisions:
Men’s 21s
Women’s 21s
Mixed 21s
Men’s Opens
Women’s Opens
Mixed Opens
Women’s 27s
Men’s 30s
Mixed Seniors
Women’s 37s
Men’s 40s
Men’s 45s
Women’s 47s
Men’s 50s
Men’s 60s
Australian teams will be selected from the 2024 Senior Australian Championships in Coffs Harbour, to be played from November 1-3.
According to AO’s updated Selection Policy, all players MUST play in the division they wish to be selected for.
Please Note: Players will not be selected for other divisions in which their age deems them eligible.
AO National Director of Coaching and Development, Michael Buettner is excited to see Trans- Tasman back on the international calendar.
“Having spoken to Tagaroos players who have experienced a Trans-Tasman Test Series, they have indicated how strong and competitive the Tag Blacks are on home soil, yet how hospitable they are as hosts which ensures a great experience both on and off the field,” Buettner said.
“Any player wishing to be a part of this Trans-Tasman Tag Series, needs to ensure they are playing at the Senior National Championships this November for what will be an unforgettable experience,” he said.
For the Junior Tagaroos in the 16’s and 18’s divisions, who will be selected from the Junior Nationals in October, it is envisaged the 2025 International Tag Series in August at Coffs Harbour will be their chance to wear the Green and Gold and play against some of the best Tag players from other Nations.
Australian Oztag have updated the International Tournament Calendar, with the addition of the Australian Invitational Challenge.
The 2024 Australian teams to be announced in the coming week extend an invitation to countries and recognized ITF entities, to participate in the Australian Invitational Challenge (AIC) in August 2024 in Coffs Harbour.
On the back of a very successful International Tag Series in 2022, Australian Oztag will cater for the ever-increasing demand for more international tag. Therefore, the AIC will replace the formerly known Big 4 tournament.
The AIC Opening ceremony will be held on Thursday 1st August, with games to be played Friday, Saturday & Sunday (2-4 August).
Nominations for competing teams open February, 2024.
After a review of the International tournament calendar, the following events have been put in place:
August 2024: Australian Invitational Challenge – the 2024 Australian teams will invite countries and entities to take on the might of the Aussie teams.
March/April 2025: Trans Tasman Tour – the 2025 Australian teams to tour New Zealand.
August 2025: International Tag Series (ITS) – Countries & ITF sanctioned Entities to compete in Coffs Harbour, without the inclusion of Australian teams. The creation of this tournament gives others an opportunity without the Aussie teams, which have dominated the international scene.
Our Australian Tagaroos have returned home following an incredibly successful campaign in Ireland for the 2023 ITF Tag World Cup, with 11 teams crowned World Champions.
At the beginning of August, our Australian Tagaroos travelled across the world for the highly anticipated 2023 ITF Tag World Cup (TWC).
The tournament was held at the University of Limerick in Ireland, from August 2 – 5, marking history as the first TWC to take place in the Northern Hemisphere.
Australian Oztag (AO) were incredibly proud to send a record 14 teams to Ireland, with players from all across the country selected from the 2022 Senior Australian Championships.
2023 Australian Tagaroos Squad
The spectacle that was the Opening Ceremony took place on August 1, where our Tagaroos Club Captains and Vice Captains were proud flag bearers, before our Men’s 30s kicked off the tournament in the opening match against host nation, Ireland.
Club Captains: Amy Spence (Women’s 30s) and Brendan Martin (Men’s Opens)
Vice-Captains: Amy Helm (Women’s 30s) and Adam Carlisle (Men’s 40s)
In cold, wet conditions, games commenced on August 2 – the energy and pride shown by all competing nations, both players and spectators was remarkable.
The spirit of the competition was matched by the camaraderie amongst all competitors, with plenty of photos, hugs, handshakes and playing gear exchanged after all games.
Men’s Opens Australia and Great BritainWomen’s Opens Australia and New Zealand Exiles
Following an action-packed four days and an average of 7-9 games played by each team, the ITF Tag World Cup Champions were crowned.
Across the 13 divisions, all Australian Tagaroos sides qualified for the Grand Final and 11 teams claimed the World title.
2023 ITF Tag World Cup Grand Final results:
Men’s 21s: Australia defeated New Zealand Exiles 8 – 2
Women’s 21s: Australia defeated New Zealand Exiles 10 – 2
Mixed 21s: ITF Alliance defeated Australia 9-7
Men’s Opens: Australia defeated Lebanon 9 – 2
Women’s Opens: Australia defeated Great Britain 5 – 1
Mixed Opens: Australia defeated New Zealand Exiles 6 – 5
Men’s 30s: Australia defeated Ireland 4 – 2
Women’s 30s: Great Britain defeated Australia 5 – 1
Mixed Seniors: Australia defeated Great Britain 11 – 2
Men’s 40s: Australia defeated Ireland 11 – 1
Women’s 40s: Australia defeated Ireland 5 – 1
Men’s 50s: Australia defeated Great Britain Exiles 11 – 2
Men’s 60s: Australia Green defeated Australia Gold 1 – 0
Congratulations to all teams on an exceptional achievement.
AO’s National Director of Coaching and Development, Michael Buettner commended all players and coaches on their achievements.
“Congratulations should go to all the teams who took out their respective divisions and their coaching staff for their outstanding efforts,” Buettner said.
“Their achievements should not be underestimated and it was great to see all our Tagaroos players leave the tournament with either a Gold or Silver Medal,” he said.
Special mention goes to the following Tagaroos sides who went through the tournament undefeated.
Men’s 21s
Men’s Opens
Women’s Opens
Mixed Opens
Men’s 30s
Mixed Seniors
Men’s 40s
Women’s 40s
Men’s 50s
“I know after what happened in Ireland earlier this month, the spark is well and truly lit for all players to aim towards the 2026 World Cup where our Tagaroos will be striving for continued success,” Buettner said.
Big thank you to our Australian team medic, Graeme Wallace who went above and beyond to ensure our players were fit and able to take the field every day.
Thank you to all Sponsors – individual and team – for your support of our Australian Tagaroos.
Livestream games are still available to watch on Youtube.
Australian Oztag are pleased to announce the Coaches for the Australian Tagaroos and the Rest of the World Squads, to compete at the 2023 Big 4 International Tag Series.
The Big 4 International Tag Series (ITS), set to be played in March 2023, will provide Under 16’s and 18’s Boys and Girls the opportunity to represent their country on the International stage.
The other 2 teams competing at the Big 4 ITS will be teams representing the Indigenous and Lebanese communities.
Australian Oztag (AO) would like to congratulate the following coaches on their appointments and wish them all the very best with the selection process.
The Australian Tagaroos Coaches:
Boys 16’s
Head Coach Michele Reaney
Asst Coach Amy Spence
Girls 16’s
Head Coach Ben Ellis
Asst Coach Cindy Brookfield
Boys 18’s
Head Coach Peter Roberts
Asst Coach Brendan Martin
Girls 18’s
Head Coach Adam Carlisle
Asst. Coach Tim Bailey
The Rest of the World Coaches:
Rest of the World Team Coordinator
Luke Bickhoff
Boys 16’s
Head Coach Shaun Cox
Asst Coach Adam Barrett
Girls 16’s
Head Coach Nick Cash
Asst Coach TBC
Boys 18’s
Head Coach Jason Havenaar
Asst Coach Greg Michell
Girls 18’s
Head Coach Jen Joshua
Asst. Coach Kaila Afungia
Teams will be selected from the upcoming Junior National Championships which will be held in Coffs Harbour from the 14th – 16th October.
Players competing in the 14’s and 15’s age divisions will be selected for the Under 16’s and those in the 16’s and 17’s divisions will be selected for the Under 18’s.
AO National Director of Coaching and Development, Michael Buettner touched on the significance of coaching at such a level.
“There is no doubt that their jobs won’t be made easy with the quality of players who are eligible for these teams,”
“But it is always an honour to represent your country and for these coaches to be given this opportunity is something they will cherish,” he said.
Dates and a venue for the Big 4 International Tag Series is yet to be finalised.
Australian Oztag have announced the official dates and selection policy for the 2023 ITF Tag World Cup in Limerick, Ireland.
Following the success of the International Tag Series in August, the Oztag community are now shifting their focus to the 2023 Tag World Cup (TWC), to be played in Limerick, Ireland.
The highly anticipated tournament will be the first time since the 2018 World Cup, that players from across the globe have the opportunity to come together and compete at an international level.
As advised by the International Tag Federation (ITF), Australian Oztag (AO) are pleased to announce the official dates, tournament venue and divisions for the 2023 TWC.
2023 ITF Tag World Cup Information
Dates: Wednesday 2nd August – Saturday 5th August, 2023
Location: Limerick, Ireland
Tournament Venue: University of Limerick
Divisions (13):
Mens, Womens and Mixed Under 21’s
Mens, Womens and Mixed Opens
Mens and Womens 30’s and 40’s
Mixed Seniors
Mens 50’s
Mens 60’s
AO have also released their officialSelection Policyrelative to the upcoming Senior Australian Championships in November. It is recommended that all players read the policy if they wish to be considered for selection.
AO National Director of Coaching and Development, Michael Buettner said there is certainly a sense of anticipation and excitement for next year’s TWC in Ireland.
“There is no greater honour than to represent your country and to be apart of the first Tag World Cup in the Northern Hemisphere will definitely be something special for those players who get the opportunity,” he said.
With the 2022 Australian Championships being the basis for World Cup selection, AO have no doubt that it will be one of the strongest and most competitive displays of Oztag in years.
“Players are preparing themselves for an all-out assault at the National Championships in November, where teams for all 13 divisions will be selected,” Buettner said.
The Oztag community can look forward to an exciting 12-months ahead, as we itch closer to departing the shores of Australia and travelling half way around the world to compete in a World Cup.
“Once in Ireland, the aim is to make the whole experience a once in a lifetime opportunity and hopefully one that all players and officials will never forget,” Buettner said.
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