The Tag Rugby® Association Welcomes SA Rugby’s New National Minimum Tackle Age Policy
The Tag Rugby® Association warmly welcomes SA Rugby’s decision to standardise the national minimum tackle age for junior players. The policy, which ensures that all children from U5 to U8 play only non-contact rugby formats such as Tag Rugby®, aligns directly with what the Tag Rugby® Association, an Associate member of SA Rugby, has been promoting for more than three decades.
Our Tag Rugby® programmes have long emphasised running at spaces, agility, teamwork, spatial awareness, and confident ball-handling without the risks associated with early contact. We are proud to see the national framework now reflect the pathway that we have successfully implemented in schools, clubs, and community organisations all around South Africa.
For 31 years, Tag Rugby® has been a leader in safe, skills-driven rugby development in diverse communities throughout South Africa, from grassroots programmes in under-resourced areas to established school systems such as Bishops Preparatory School. Our mission has been simple: give every child a joyful, safe introduction to rugby while building the fundamentals that form confident, well-rounded young athletes who will possess a life-long love for the game.
This approach has proven itself repeatedly. Numerous young players, including Springboks such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who began his rugby journey playing Tag Rugby® until U9, have developed their earliest skills through our programmes. The success of these players highlights how a strong non-contact foundation can support long-term performance, confidence, and player retention.
“SA Rugby’s updated junior policy is an important step forward,” said Director of the Tag Rugby® Association, Stuart McConnell. “We’ve spent more than three decades demonstrating that non-contact rugby is not only safer, but also the most effective starting point for young athletes. Seeing talented players emerge from this pathway, and seeing communities across the country benefit, reinforces the value of this model, which is now backed by SA Rugby’s new policy.”
With the new guidelines coming into effect, Tag Rugby® invites schools, clubs, academies, and community programmes to partner with us as they transition to non-contact rugby offerings.
The Tag Rugby® Association provides:
Complete Tag Rugby® coaching programmes
Age-specific curricula
Coach and teacher training, accreditation, and ongoing support
A full range of Tag Rugby® equipment and starter kits
Tag Rugby® league creation, festivals, and community outreach facilitation.
After 31 years at the forefront of non-contact rugby, the Tag Rugby® Association is ready to assist any organisation seeking a safe, enjoyable and professionally supported introduction to rugby for young players.
Schools and clubs wishing to implement Tag Rugby® can contact us at:
Email: coaching@taggroup.co.za
Contact us via our website: Click Here
Tag Rugby® at the forefront of tackle safety
Tag Rugby® at the forefront of tackle safety
Dec 10, 2025
The Tag Rugby® Association Welcomes SA Rugby’s New National Minimum Tackle Age Policy
The Tag Rugby® Association warmly welcomes SA Rugby’s decision to standardise the national minimum tackle age for junior players. The policy, which ensures that all children from U5 to U8 play only non-contact rugby formats such as Tag Rugby®, aligns directly with what the Tag Rugby® Association, an Associate member of SA Rugby, has been promoting for more than three decades.
Our Tag Rugby® programmes have long emphasised running at spaces, agility, teamwork, spatial awareness, and confident ball-handling without the risks associated with early contact. We are proud to see the national framework now reflect the pathway that we have successfully implemented in schools, clubs, and community organisations all around South Africa.
For 31 years, Tag Rugby® has been a leader in safe, skills-driven rugby development in diverse communities throughout South Africa, from grassroots programmes in under-resourced areas to established school systems such as Bishops Preparatory School. Our mission has been simple: give every child a joyful, safe introduction to rugby while building the fundamentals that form confident, well-rounded young athletes who will possess a life-long love for the game.
This approach has proven itself repeatedly. Numerous young players, including Springboks such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who began his rugby journey playing Tag Rugby® until U9, have developed their earliest skills through our programmes. The success of these players highlights how a strong non-contact foundation can support long-term performance, confidence, and player retention.
“SA Rugby’s updated junior policy is an important step forward,” said Director of the Tag Rugby® Association, Stuart McConnell. “We’ve spent more than three decades demonstrating that non-contact rugby is not only safer, but also the most effective starting point for young athletes. Seeing talented players emerge from this pathway, and seeing communities across the country benefit, reinforces the value of this model, which is now backed by SA Rugby’s new policy.”
With the new guidelines coming into effect, Tag Rugby® invites schools, clubs, academies, and community programmes to partner with us as they transition to non-contact rugby offerings.
The Tag Rugby® Association provides:
Complete Tag Rugby® coaching programmes
Age-specific curricula
Coach and teacher training, accreditation, and ongoing support
A full range of Tag Rugby® equipment and starter kits
Tag Rugby® league creation, festivals, and community outreach facilitation.
After 31 years at the forefront of non-contact rugby, the Tag Rugby® Association is ready to assist any organisation seeking a safe, enjoyable and professionally supported introduction to rugby for young players.
Schools and clubs wishing to implement Tag Rugby® can contact us at:
Email: coaching@taggroup.co.za
Contact us via our website: Click Here
