Try Tag Rugby brought together franchise owners, managers and staff from across the UK for its second annual National Conference on Saturday 10/10/2026, held at Weetwood Hall in Leeds.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the conference provided an opportunity for representatives from across the Try Tag Rugby network to share ideas, learn from one another and celebrate the people helping to grow Tag Rugby communities across the country.

With leagues now operating in 36 locations across the UK, through a combination of franchised and company-owned regions, the conference highlighted the strength of the wider Try Tag Rugby network and the value of working together to support its continued growth.

This year’s conference followed the theme ‘Make It Happen’, reflecting the importance of taking ownership, staying consistent and finding ways to make a positive difference.

Throughout the day, attendees took part in interactive workshops and discussions focused on sharing best practice, overcoming challenges and identifying opportunities to strengthen and grow their regions.

A highlight was a presentation from Try Tag Rugby Newcastle, with franchise owners Jack Oddie and Natasha Botto sharing their experiences and insights from developing their region. Newcastle’s achievements were recognised later in the evening when they were named Region of the Year.

The conference also featured informal, talk show style interviews with representatives from Try Tag Rugby’s three newest regions, Bournemouth, Glasgow South and Nottingham. Having all launched in 2026, they shared their experiences of getting started and establishing new Tag Rugby communities. Representatives from Edinburgh and Salford also took part in a Q&A session, sharing further experiences and insights with the wider network.

Recognising 10 years of service

The conference also provided an opportunity to recognise four employees who have each reached the milestone of 10 years’ service with Try Tag Rugby.

Bobby Domville, David Shipley, Steve Devonshire and Gary Jeffery were thanked for their dedication and contribution to the organisation’s growth over the past decade. Each was presented with a specially commissioned framed award featuring the number 10, creatively formed using a Tag Rugby tag and ball.

[Read more about their 10-year service milestones and contributions to Try Tag Rugby.](LINK TO SEPARATE ARTICLE)

Following the workshops, it was time to get out on the pitch for some Tag Rugby, but with a twist! Teams were given special superpower cards allowing them to change the rules during the game, adding plenty of fun and friendly competition to the afternoon.

Celebrating success across the network

The celebrations continued into the evening with the first-ever Try Tag Rugby National Conference Awards, recognising the achievements and contributions of franchise regions and individuals from across the network.

Congratulations to all our award winners:

  • Region of the Year: Try Tag Rugby Newcastle, Franchise Managers Jack Oddie and Natasha Botto
  • Network Recognition Award: Steph McCabe, Franchise Manager, Try Tag Rugby Brighton, following nominations from across the network
  • Make It Happen Award: Try Tag Rugby Salford, Franchise Managers Cameron and Suzannah Green
  • Community Award: Try Tag Rugby Edinburgh, Franchise Manager Clodagh NicLochlainn
  • Growth Award: Try Tag Rugby Newcastle, Franchise Managers Jack Oddie and Natasha Botto
  • Two Point Player of the Match: Francesca Hales
  • One Point Player of the Match: Chris Staines

The evening rounded off with some friendly competition at Tenpin Bowling in Leeds, providing another opportunity for everyone to socialise and strengthen relationships across the network.

A big thank you to everyone who helped organise the conference, delivered presentations and workshops, and attended the event. Your contributions helped make it such a successful and enjoyable day.

Looking ahead to 2027

As Try Tag Rugby continues to expand, events like the National Conference play an important role in bringing our franchise network together. They provide an opportunity to share knowledge, celebrate achievements and support one another in building successful local businesses and thriving sporting communities.

Alistair Davis, Co-founder and Managing Director of Try Tag Rugby, commented:

“One of the biggest strengths of Try Tag Rugby is the people behind it. Our franchise network brings together people who share a passion for creating fun and friendships through sport. The conference was a great opportunity to learn from each other, share ideas and celebrate what we’re achieving together.

It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come, and with plans to bring Try Tag Rugby to more areas of the UK in 2027, we’re looking forward to continuing to grow the network and helping more people experience everything Tag Rugby has to offer.”

Interested in joining the Try Tag Rugby franchise network?

With plans to bring Try Tag Rugby to more areas of the UK in 2027, we’re keen to hear from people who want to build a business that makes a positive difference in their local community.

Running a Try Tag Rugby franchise is about more than organising sports leagues. It’s about helping people make friends, have fun and enjoy an easy way to keep fit, with the support of an established national network.

Interested in bringing Try Tag Rugby to your area? Visit our franchising website to find out more about opportunities to join the network in 2027.

As Try Tag Rugby continues to grow, we also occasionally have opportunities for the right local people to take ownership of and further develop existing territories. Find out more about existing franchise opportunities.