Bud Light Tag is a non-contact form of rugby played by mixed teams. The non-contact form of ‘tagging’ entails the defender removing a ‘tag’ strip, a velcro patch on the shorts of the attacking players.

Tag rugby manager Olly Hodges said: “Last year’s leagues exceeded expectations to the point that we have again expanded the number of venues, allowing for more teams and players to take part.

“The social aspect of TAG and its ability to attract players who may never have even set foot in a rugby club before has been not only a boost to the venue club in term of revenues, but also to the possibility of attracting new members.”
 
The growth of Bud Light Tag has been phenomenal and this year’s programme expects to see over 1,000 teams and 12,000 participants at 23 venues across Ireland. The extended venue programme for this year will see leagues taking place in major towns and cities across the country.

Bud Light Tag Beach Festivals will be added to the calendar after their successful debut last season.

There will also be an All-Ireland Open Championship at the end of the season that will be open to all teams to battle for the title of champions of Ireland.

Teams looking to take part can register on www.irfutag.ie or contact IRFU Leisure Rugby on tag@irfu.ie.

Registration of teams will open on January 19 2009, with the leagues running from May to August.