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.
New South Wales players in the above divisions can be considered for other divisions in which they are eligible for – however, their preference MUST be noted on their State Cup registration form prior to the tournament.
Australian Oztag congratulate all teams who competed at the NSW and QLD Junior State Cup tournaments, as well as the recent QLD Senior State Cup.
AO would like to wish all players the very best ahead of the NSW Senior State Cup and for their possible NSW origin selections.
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.
Oztag’s State of Origin is set to make its long-awaited return in September, 2024.
The biggest rivalry in Australian sporting history is back on the Oztag calendar for 2024 – prepare as New South Wales take on Queensland in Oztag’s State of Origin.
C.ex Stadium, Coffs Harbour will play host to the two-day tournament, kicking off on Saturday 21 September, 2024.
For the first time in seven years, players from New South Wales and Queensland have the opportunity to represent their state amongst the best of the best.
From the Under 11s to the over 60s, players will be selected from their respective 2024 State Cup tournaments.
“It’s great to finally have State of Origin back on the Oztag calendar!” Tournament Director, Bill Harrigan said.
“The difference this time around, is the juniors and seniors will play over the one weekend, whereas in the past they played on separate days,”
“They’ll all be there, the best of the best from each state… You want to be a part of this one,” Harrigan said.
The 2023 Senior National Champions have been crowned followingan action-packed weekend in Coffs Harbour.
The highly-anticipated Senior Australian Championships kicked off on Friday 3 November in Coffs Harbour, with 148 teams from across the country set on claiming the National title.
Sunday’s Finals saw players rise to the occasion in what were unforgiving weather conditions. As the rain set in, skills were tested and it became a game of defense and field position.
With Australian selection on the table, teams grew even more determined to leave nothing in the tank – the atmosphere electric as numerous qualifiers went into extra-time.
The East Coast Dolphins Mens 50s won heir fourth consecutive title, while the Central Coast Mens Opens and Dolphins Mens 20s made it three in row.
Going back-to-back was Queensland’s Storm Mixed Opens and Central Coast Womens 37s.
The race for Region Champions came down to the wire, with only three points separating first and second place.
Australian Oztag are pleased to announce the 2023 Senior Region Champions, on 76 points, the East Coast Dolphins.
Across the 16 divisions, the back-to-back Champions had 11 of their 15 teams qualify for Semis. Six of these progressed to the Grand Final, and three took home gold.
Hot on their heels in second place were Central Coast on 73 points, while West Tigers finished in third on 47 points.
The East Coast Dolphins will receive a $2000 prize for taking out the Championship title – $1000 for their region and $1000 for their chosen charity.
Below are the 2023 Senior Australian Championships Grand Final results. Congratulations to all crowned Champions.
Womens 20s: East Coast Dolphins defeated Illawarra Steelers 3-0
Mens 20s: East Coast Dolphins defeated Central Coast 2-1
Mixed 20s: Storm defeated Wolves 4-3
Womens Opens: Warriors defeated Central Coast 3-2
Mens Opens: Central Coast defeated Illawarra Steelers 5-2
Mixed Opens: Storm defeated East Coast Dolphins 4-2
Womens 27s: ACT defeated East Coast Dolphins 3-1
Men’s 30s: Warriors defeated West Tigers 3-0
Senior Mixed: West Tigers defeated Marlins 3-2
Mens 35s: West Tigers defeated Warriors 6-2
Womens 37s: Central Coast defeated ACT 4-0
Mens 40s: Warriors defeated Central Coast 1-0
Mens 45s: Patriots defeated Central Coast 2-1
Mens 50s: East Coast Dolphins defeated Mariners 1-0
Mens 55s: Marlins defeated Illawarra Steelers 3-2
Mens 60s: Central Coast defeated East Coast Dolphins Green 1-0
The 2023 Senior Australian Championships is well underway in Coffs Harbour, with the East Coast Dolphins leading the race for Region Champions.
Day two of the Senior Australian Championships was nothing short of exhilarating as teams took their game to another level ahead of Sunday’s Finals.
The standard of Oztag on display and the number of tight games over the course of the weekend suggests that we are in store for some quality finals tomorrow.
The East Coast Dolphins sit as current front runners for the Region Championship, while Central Coast trail closely in second.
The following teams sit undefeated heading into Sunday’s Finals:
Mens 20s
East Coast Dolphins
Central Coast
Womens 20s
East Coast Dolphins
Mixed 20s
East Coast Dolphins
Mens Opens
Central Coast
Womens Opens
Steelers
Central Coast
Mixed Opens
East Coast Dolphins
Southern Storm
Womens 27s
East Coast Dolphins
Mens 35s
West Sydney Tigers
Mens 40s
Warriors
Mens 45s
Patriots
Womens 37s
Central Coast
West Sydney Tigers
Mens 50s
East Coast Dolphins
Mens 55s
Marlins
Mens 60s
Central Coast
Keep up to date with all live results and fixtures via Sportfix.
Livestream coverage, courtesy of Power Productions will kick off at 8.30am on Field 1 with the Womens 37s Quarter Final, which will see the Mariners take on the Northern Rangers.
AO look forward to crowning the 2023 Senior National Champions tomorrow and wish all competing teams the best of luck.
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