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. 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.