‘Full Steam Ahead’ for 2023 Tag World Cup preparations in Limerick

2023 Tag World Cup kicks off in Limerick this August. Irish Players Sarah Jane Gavin, Clare Cullen and Jack Reals gathered in Limerick City to mark the six-month countdown to the 2023 Tag World Cup. Pic. Brian Arthur

The 2023 Tag World Cup will kick off in Limerick this August following a two-year delay

The competition being held in Limerick makes history as the first International Tag Federation World Cup to ever take place in the northern hemisphere.

2,000 tag rugby players from more than 100 teams visiting from 20 nations will descend on Limerick with their entourage for the four-day event kicking off on Wednesday, August 2nd.

The international tournament is expected to be worth between €4M and €5M to the local economy over the bank holiday weekend. Visitor numbers to the city will be boosted further by tag players and supporters from all over Ireland and abroad wanting to watch the world’s best tag players in action.

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Peadar Niland, Tournament Director, Irish Tag Rugby Association, said “It’s full steam ahead with preparations” and the association is “delighted with how our plans are developing”.

Approximately 360 matches will be played between Wednesday 2nd and Saturday 5th of August and, with some games taking place under floodlights, it will undoubtedly add to the atmosphere of what is the biggest and most exciting tournament in the world’s Tag Rugby calendar.

The Tournament Director noted because of the University of Limerick facilities, this will be the first tag World Cup to “have a ‘Tag Village’ where the fields, accommodation, gym and all facilities required are within walking distance for players, referees and officials”. He added, “This is a huge advantage in terms of logistics and delivering a world-class atmosphere.”

Simon Bewley, International Tag Federation Board Member, added “There is a huge contingent travelling from the South Hemisphere and 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 put the date in your diary now and be part of something special!”

Over 100 men’s, women’s and mixed teams will compete under various aged and open categories with Ireland entering teams across all 13 categories.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies interested in brand exposure, lead generation, merchandise sales, fan engagement and more on an international and local stage.

Limerick’s success in winning the bid was first announced in 2019. The World Cup was due to take place in 2021 but was delayed due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.  The joint bid was led by the UL Conference and Sports Campus and the Irish Tag Rugby Association with the support of Limerick Council, Failte Ireland and the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau.

This will be the first time a northern hemisphere country will host the Tag Rugby World Cup. The three previous International Tag Federation World Cups were held in New Zealand (2012) and Australia (2015, 2018).

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Find out more about the Tag Rugby World Cup.