Having only started six years ago, UCD was represented on the Irish teams in the Tag Rugby World Cup that took place in Australia in December 2018 as members of men’s, women’s and mixed teams.
The game has grown considerably from the relatively low numbers of the first few years, in large part due to the collaboration with the BSc Sport and Exercise Management degree, which incorporated the organisation and running of Tag into the programme. This was the first year students could earn ten academic credits for their involvement in managing Tag Rugby over the course of their final year. The new module provides a practical opportunity to apply skills into a sports event management environment. Students liaise with many different key stakeholders, construct event plans and deliver communications strategies.
With more than 350 students playing over a two-hour period on multiple pitches every Monday during term, Tag Rugby provides a fun, non-contact activity for all. The number of teams competing in the Tag League has reached 28 per semester and will increase to 32 this September. The interest is so great that the summer semester’s league was full after a few hours of registration being open. Tag also provides an opportunity for students who may not consider themselves sporty to exercise in a relaxed environment and make new friends. Furthermore, it has also provided some players with a stepping stone to playing full contact rugby.
A number of UCD students and graduates represented Ireland at the Tag Rugby World Cup in Australia in December 2018, as members of Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams. The next Tag Rugby World Cup will take place in Co Limerick in 2020. We look forward to seeing some from UCD don a green jersey.