Tag Rugby is a minimal contact team 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 or 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. Seven players in each team are allowed on the field at a time, whilst the field dimensions are 70m by 50m. The attacking team has six plays or tags to try to score a try or take the ball down field as close to the line as possible. Tries are worth one point and there are no conversions. In Mixed Tag Rugby, female tries are worth two points.

Tag Rugby is generally a slower and more skilful game than Touch Rugby. Backline play is actively encouraged and the ball is allowed to touch the ground. Kicking in general play is allowed but it must be below shoulder height of the referee and only on the first, 5th & last plays. With a tag needing to be removed to constitute a tackle, there are no phantom touches. Most Rugby players prefer Tag Rugby to Touch Rugby due to its closer resemblance to the real thing.