The Vodafone Teuila Tag tournament is ready to kick-off it's with 26 teams from both Upolu and Savaii, as the interest of the sport grows noticeably in the country.

It will be the third year the Samoa Tag Incorporated had hosted a tournament in celebration of the Teuila Festival. 

What was supposed to be held on the Teuila week last month is only taking shape a month later due to the wrapping up of the eight weeks Taula Tag Series late last month.

However, the delay had only increased the momentum for the sport, Samoa Tag Inc. President Faaofonu'u JP Leota said.

The 26 local clubs playing in the annual tournament includes six new teams. One of which is from Fa'ala Palauli, Savaii. The others are from Siumu, Mulifanua, Salamumu, Samatau and Alafua.

"In general, the players and team base numbers have grown and now we get to see not only the talent but as villages and clubs dominated, now we see the rural area teams vying for number one spots," he said.

"We have teams who played in other sports but have shifted over, and they are loving the sport. But it's going to be more exciting now because, with the overseas teams, they come with structure.

"But now with our local tag teams, they now come with both structure and flair and that's the beauty of Polynesian talent."

The number of teams to go head to heads in the Vodafone Teuila Tag tournament would have doubled if it wasn't for the State of Emergency border lockdown.

Last year, around a thousand players from around the world aged between 16 and 45 lined up for the second year of Teuila Tag World Club tournament. 

Forty-three tag rugby teams competed last year with 17 of them travelling from overseas.

Staying in tune with the event celebrated, the one day tournament will be a festival both on and off the field, Fa'aofonu'u added.

On Saturday, the St. Joseph's College grounds will not only see the skills of tag players but also handicraft and food stalls for both players and spectators to enjoy.

Fa'aofonu'u acknowledged the tournament's major sponsor, Vodafone Ltd as well as Samoa Breweries Taula, Sportslotto, TV3, Betham Brothers Enterprises and 685 Entertainment.

He also extended his thanks to the Village Council of Vaimoso.