The strongest possible Samoan teams will compete across 19 divisions in the 2026 Tag Rugby World Cup, said Samoa Tag Rugby President Fa’aofonu’u Junior Leota.

The ITF Tag World Cup is scheduled to take place in Coffs Harbour, Australia, from 15-18 October 2026.

Fa’aofonu’u said the teams will be made up of Samoa-based, Australia-based, and Aotearoa (New Zealand)-based Samoan players, forming the strongest possible squads across the divisions.

"Preparations for the tournament are well underway and are being delivered through a phased approach. At this early stage, the primary focus has been on fitness and conditioning, which he described as a critical foundation for competing at an international level," he said.

As the programme progresses, Fa’aofonu’u explained that game development, combinations, and tactical elements will be gradually introduced. 

This structured approach ensures that athletes are physically prepared to meet the demands of tournament play while also supporting long-term performance and injury prevention.

"In addition to physical preparation, there is a strong emphasis on maintaining consistency across all squads. We are also prioritising consistency across all squads to ensure players are prepared to compete at an international level while representing Samoa with pride,” he said.

Reflecting on the progress so far, Fa’aofonu’u said the organisation is encouraged by what has been achieved in the early stages. He noted that the commitment shown by players, coaches, and management has been positive, with preparations tracking according to plan.

“As with any high-performance programme, preparation is ongoing, and we remain focused on continual improvement as we move closer to the tournament,” he added.

Fa’aofonu’u also confirmed that Samoa will be represented across 19 divisions at the upcoming Tag World Cup, highlighting the depth and continued growth of tag rugby within the Samoan community. These teams will include a mix of age-grade, open, and senior divisions, with players drawn from both local and overseas-based Samoans.

While the overall tournament window has been confirmed, Fa’aofonu’u said specific match schedules and draw details will be released by the tournament organisers closer to the event.

Fa’aofonu’u acknowledged the vital role of supporters both at home and abroad. 

“We would like to sincerely thank our supporters at home and abroad for standing behind Samoa Tag Rugby. Your encouragement, belief, and continued support mean a great deal to our players and management,” he said.

“We ask that fans continue to support all athletes striving to represent Samoa, as we work together towards putting our best foot forward on the world stage.”