The Samoa Tag Rugby Federation is set to host its first tournament in Samoa on Saturday, February 3, at the Marist Brothers Mulivai grounds.

Tag rugby is a newly-introduced sport in Samoa which was launched in November last year.

According to the President of Samoa Tag Federation, Fa’aofonu’u J.P. Leota, the tournament aims to create a platform for people to understand the sport. 

“The main aim of the tournament this weekend is to introduce the game for Samoa and to create a platform for the players to understand how to the game is played, as well as familiarizing them to the game rules.”

“Another aim of the tournament itself is for the players to observe the sport and also the benefits the sport can contribute to the individuals.”

Tag Rugby is a non-contact game in which each player wears shorts with velcro patches with two tags attached to them. 

The mode of play is similar to Rugby League and Touch Rugby with attacking players attempting to dodge, evade and pass a rugby ball while defenders attempt to prevent them scoring by “tagging” - pulling a velcro attached tag from the ball carrier. 

Tries are worth one point and there are no conversions. In mixed Tag Rugby, female tries are worth two points.

The Samoa Tag Federation is also eyeing the Tag World Championships in November this year.

“Another part of our tournament this weekend will be our preparations going on for the Tag Rugby World Championships that will take place in Great Britain in November.”

“Samoa will have a team for the Tag World Cup and tournaments like this will help us identify players who can represent Samoa in the international stage.” 

“So that is why we need tournaments like this to start our building up programs and plans to get a strong team for the World Cup.”

Mr. Fa’aofonu’u said there were 12 teams that had been confirmed for the tournament this Saturday.

He also added that part of exposing the sport in the country; Samoa Tag Federation is looking at getting the sport to the grassroots level.

“We are looking at introducing the sport within the grassroots level, through school competitions as well as business house competitions.”

“We also like to invite anyone who would like to join the fun because this is really a sport for everyone.”