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.
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.
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.