Tag Rugby World Cup kicks-off as 17 nations compete in Limerick tournament

AFTER a Covid-19 enforced delay, the first International Tag Federation World Cup to take place in the northern hemisphere will finally kick-off in Limerick this Wednesday.

The action gets underway in the University of Limerick this Wednesday and continues until the weekend.

In total, 2,000 players, coaches, referees, officials and spectators from 17 nations and 85 teams will descent on the city.

Matches kick-off in earnest across 10 pitches in UL this Wednesday August 2 at 9am.

Peadar Niland, Tournament Director, Irish Tag Rugby Association, said “After almost five years of preparation, we’re delighted to finally welcome the world’s best players to Limerick for the 2023 Tag World Cup. This will be the first World Cup with a Tag Village where the pitches, accommodation and facilities are all within walking distance for players, referees and officials, which is a huge advantage in terms of logistics and delivering a world-class atmosphere.”

With almost 350 games to be played over a busy four-day schedule, the Closing Festival takes place in Limerick’s Medieval Quarter on Saturday August 5.

This international tournament is expected to be worth between €4m and €5m to the local economy

Simon Bewley, International Tag Federation Board Member, added: “With a huge contingent travelling to Limerick from the Southern Hemisphere, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Irish public to see the best taggers in the world compete. So make sure to drop down to UL over the course of the tournament and be part of something special!”

Limerick’s success in winning the bid was first announced in 2019 with the Tag World Cup due to take place in 2021 but, because of the pandemic, the tournament was rescheduled for 2023.

The joint bid was led by the UL Conference and Sports Campus and the Irish Tag Rugby Association, with the support of Limerick City and County Council, Failte Ireland and the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau.