Iestyn Harris (left) is a professional Rugby player who has had an outstanding career in both League and Union. Currently coaching with Crusaders RL in Wales, Harris has played for the Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves. Harris has represented Great Britain seven times in Rugby League. In 2001 he switched to Rugby Union, winning 25 caps for Wales over the course of the next four years. Harris is the national coach of the Welsh Rugby League side.

"Tag Rugby is a fast and exciting sport that anybody can enjoy. It incorporates all your rugby skills, but without the contact"

 

Willie Bishop (right) is a current Australian Rugby Union 7's player. Bishop travels the world on the IRB 7's circuit and has his sights on representing Australia at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Rugby 7's. Bishop has spent time playing Rugby League with the Manly Sea Eagles (2006-2007), Sydney Roosters (2004-2005) and the New Zealand Warriors (2003). Bishop is also an outstanding Tag Rugby player, having represented Australia on a number of occasions.

"Tag Rugby is a fantastic sport. It assisted me with my Rugby by keeping me fit in the off-season and fine tuning my Rugby skills. It's loads of fun, I recommend you give it a go!"

 

Wade McKinnon (left) is a professional Rugby League player currently with the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL competition. McKinnon made his professional debut for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2002 where he made 26 appearances for the club. He later signed for the Parramatta Eels in 2004 making another 51 first team appearances. McKinnon joined the New Zealand Warriors in 2007

"I really enjoy playing Tag Rugby. It's fun, good for your fitness and a great way to meet new people. Tag Rugby is a great way to involve ex-players and girls as it's the closest sport to Rugby League that is non contact. It's great to see Tag Rugby taking off in the UK. A lot of the NRL players in Australia and New Zealand play in the off season and I'm sure the Super League players will start to as well. Tag definitely assisted my game"

 

James Storer (right) is a current Fiji International who represented Fiji in all four fixtures at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. Fiji made it through to the semi final stages and Storer played an integral role in this campaign. Storer has played in the NRL and has had stints at the St.George Illawarra Dragons, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Parramatta Eels and Cronulla Sharks. Storer is also a keen Tag Rugby player.

"Playing Tag Rugby (Oztag) in Australia was the best for my off season. Not only did it keep me fit, it kept me sharp for my position as well. It's the closest you will get to playing Rugby League without the knocks. My hand eye coordination improved trying to pull the tags off the opposition. The great thing about Tag Rugby is that you can play into your 50's and girls can join in. I haven't missed a season!"

Player Testimonials

“Tag Rugby is fast, fun and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a bit of fitness, competitive matches, or just a social outlet, Tag Rugby's got it all!” - Vicken Manougian

"For years I played Touch Rugby in London, and thought it was great fun. However since taking up Tag Rugby, I have found a far more varied and exciting sport. The ability to place grubber kicks and the extra skill needed in defence make for a better sport than touch. I also don't miss the arguments over phantom touches." - Chris Smith

“I played in the North London Tag Rugby competition at Finsbury Park during Autumn 2009. I went along with a friend who had played Oztag in Australia and said it was a great sport to play. I had never played any form of rugby before so the first couple of weeks were a bit challenging as I got to grips with the rules. However once I knew what I was doing the game was great fun to play, good cardiovascular fitness and I even managed to score a few tries. Most weeks after playing we went back to the Faltering Fullback, which is a fab little pub hidden in the back streets of Finsbury Park. I'll definitely be signing up again when competition resumes in 2010.”‎  - Becky Gray


"I came to the game with virtually no rugby experience.  They've been perfectly welcoming to players of all types of skill and ability.  It's tough, fast and great fun." - Bill Martin


“I enjoy playing Tag Rugby as it allows me to meet people while playing a sport I love.  As it is a new sport in London it has been good to play in a fun social setting with others who either enjoy the sport as well or are just learning.  Try Tag Rugby have started a great thing, it's worth getting involved!” - Melissa Spero

"I started playing tag rugby last summer/autumn and have really enjoyed playing it. It's great exercise and a great way of meeting new people. The games are enjoyable and fun and whilst competitive, are mostly not taken too seriously. The games are properly refereed (although some dont always agree with the referee!!) by fully trained officials which helps make the game more enjoyable. Also, for many of us, it is one of the few opportunities we will get to represent our country, with regular international games being played between teams from the various countries.

I would recommend tag rugby for everyone, but most especially for those who are (like myself) not bothered or built for playing full-contact rugby but also those looking to make new friends. It's a great way of creating a new circle of friends, with an excellent social scene both after the games and at weekends, with the organisers regularly organising trips to various sporting events in London. Come and see for yourself!" - John Stafford

Thoughts on playing for the London England mixed Tag Rugby team and the Monday league at Bermondsey from Jayne Breakwell.