The team behind the development of Tag Rugby say they are happy to have finally held a tournament in the big island of Savaii over the weekend.

Faaofo’nuu JP Leota, president of Samoa Tag Incorporated said thanks to passionate development officers and the new teams, the tournament was a huge success.

Over the weekend, six Savaii teams and two Upolu teams competed, and even participated in youth clinics before the tournament kicked off. Tau Warriors won the day, followed by Tau Sapapalii in second place and Tau Shakers in third.

“The main point was to try and develop the game in areas that aren’t in town, where it’s more convenient for sport.”

The Savaii tournament and a tournament in Aleipata in January will be regular fixtures on the Samoa Tag calendar, Faaofo’nuu said. During the year, the development officers will continue building the game across Savaii and Upolu.

The tournament took place in Iva, and was facilitated by Reverend Legatonu who organised a field for the games. Though he was too sick to actually attend the tournament, Faaofo’nuu said he heard the turnout to watch the games was fantastic.

“All these things go towards our development of the game,” he said.

“But if you’re passionate enough to do this sport, regardless of the turnout you have to front up!”

Faaofo’nuu said tag is continuing to grow in Samoa, and could be Samoa’s fastest growing sport. It is particularly inclusive, because it is a non-contact sport.

One does not have to be an athlete or competitive rugby player to enjoy tag, or to participate in tournaments.

“Not everyone plays rugby and rugby league, tag is for all different ages, from the little kids right up to 60 plus, that’s what the game is all about.

“It’s enjoyable to play because you can feel a part of something,” he said.

What’s more, not everyone wants to be tackled or roughed up when they’re playing sports. Tag is another avenue for people who want to play a team sport, whether it is for health or leisure.

Faaofo’nuu said tag is just about locked in for the Pacific Games this July, and can reveal more information when everything is arranged, with the Pacific Tag Federation: the brand new cross-Pacific tag body.

Samoa has been the driving force behind creating this Pacific tag body, which will provide enable opportunities for tag development, he said.

The next tag tournament will be in April, followed by the Teuila Tag tournament in September.