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.