TagFest Newcastle 2026

We’re back for another year! After a ‘belta’ of a first year, TagFest Newcastle, in partnership with Howlers, returns for 2026! Bringing together social teams from across the UK for a weekend of Tag on the Toon. What’s more – we’ll be returning to Howlers Newcastle for our legendary after-party with Free Welcome Drink, Free Pizza and Famous Ball Pit – where you’ll also get 20% off drinks after 10pm (excludes bottles of wine, bottles of champagne and bottles of spirits).

Registrations are now open and demand is expected to be extremely high this year – so register your team now to avoid disappointment.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• 28 Teams
• 90 minutes of game time
• Pool stages followed by Cup, Plate and Bowl
• Social and beginner friendly
• Fancy dress event theme
• Food stalls and bar onsite
• Entry to Howlers after-party – includes welcome drink and pizza
• Travelling teams from all over the UK

FORMAT

• All teams will have a guaranteed game time of 90 minutes
• Maximum of 12 players per squad, maximum of four 1-point scoring players on the pitch at any one time
• Standard 7-a-side Try Tag Rugby rules
• All players must be registered for insurance purposes. Squads must be complete by 30th May
• International cap limits apply. Please see information further down this page.
• Players must be aged 18 or over.

VENUE

Novocastrians Rugby Club, The Drive, Longbenton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE7 7SZ

• Free on-site Parking (cars can be picked up Sunday).
• 15 minute walk from Four Lane Ends Metro
• 15 minute drive from Newcastle City Centre
• Changing and shower facilities available

ON THE DAY

Teams are welcome to arrive onsite from 10:00 with the first games scheduled to start at 11:00. Play will conclude by 18:00.

Food vendors will be onsite during lunch break and evening presentations ensuring you have lots of delicious options to keep yourself energised between matches. Players are welcome to bring their own snacks. The after-match social will take place at Howlers, Newcastle. 

Spectators are welcome free of charge at the tournament.

Alcohol will only be served to non-players during the tournament. Once out of the tournament players are able to purchase alcohol.

PLAYING KIT

ITF approved Tag Rugby shorts or tights are compulsory, available via card at our shop on the day. A limited number of shorts will also be available to hire on the day.

Details on ITF Approved (Tag Rugby) Shorts / Details on Kit Items not Permitted.

REGISTRATION

Register by 30th May — spaces are limited and will close as soon as we reach capacity!

Team registration is £270 for squads of 12 (includes After Party Ticket with Welcome Drink and Pizza).
Individual registration is £28 (includes After Party Ticket with Welcome Drink and Pizza).
Howlers Afterparty (for non-playing individuals) is £11.50 (includes After Party Ticket with Welcome Drink).

An international player cap applies for this event. Please see the details below. It is the team’s responsibility to ensure the limit is not exceeded, if you have any queries, please contact us.

INTERNATIONAL PLAYER POINTS

All teams at TagFest Newcastle have 4 points maximum.

Players count towards the cap if they:

• Played international Tag Rugby representing a nation in 2025.
• Were named in the 2025 GB Tournament Squad – these players can be found on the International Talent Cap Players for 2026 Events

Point values:

• 1 point – Capped at Open or Seniors level
• 0.5 points – Capped in U22s or Masters level
• 0 points – Capped in Over 50s