OZ Tag

A couple of months ago, I asked my brother about the secret behind the exceptional rugby skills of children in South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.

We concluded that there is no secret! Kids in these countries consistently engage in various formats of rugby throughout the year, such as touch rugby and rugby league. The game is affordable and highly accessible, allowing children to play regularly and continuously refine their skills.

Having been involved in rugby coaching in Hong Kong for the past four years, I’ve observed that many young players tend to part ways at the end of the season and do not engage with the game until the next season begins. This gap in involvement can hinder their development in the sport.

Although rugby clubs and programs in Hong Kong offer activities throughout the year, I wanted to explore ways to keep young rugby players in the community engaged during the off-season, ensuring that participation is enjoyable and accessible for current and new players.

After some consideration, I decided to start an Oz Tag program.

Developed in 1992, Oz Tag is a non-tackle version of rugby league where players remove tags instead of tackling, promoting try-scoring in an inclusive environment for all ages and skill levels. This inclusivity has contributed to its growing popularity in recent years.

Following the rules of rugby league, Oz Tag is fast-paced and engaging, providing players with opportunities to develop a variety of social, physical, and rugby-specific skills, such as:

- Teamwork and communication

- Fun and mental refreshment

- Enhanced ball-handling skills

- Decision-making and game awareness

- Improved agility and footwork

- Fitness and speed development

Oz Tag sessions run on Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. during May and June.

Our first session kicked off on May 4th, and over the last two Sundays, 30 players from the under-12, youth, and adult categories have attended the sessions.

Our Oz Tag sessions are focused on short, sharp handling drills and gameplay, allowing players to express themselves.

Having participants of all ability levels has allowed younger and less experienced players to learn from their older, more skilled counterparts.

These experienced players have learned the importance of leadership, communication, and trust.

Running Oz Tag sessions has given rugby players of all ages and abilities the opportunity to develop and showcase their skills in a nonpressured environment while understanding the significance of teamwork, communication, and community spirit—all while sharing a passion for rugby.