I typed ‘taster sessions’ into Google to see what might crop up and one of the first results was Try Tag Rugby. Well, this looked like a perfect gateway into a sport I’d never played, and another new thing to help me towards my goal of trying 52 new things in the year!
I’m Not A Wuss, But…
I’ve always been a bit nervous about rugby. It’s not something that we ever played in P.E. at school so I never had the chance to automatically give it a go.
I’ve always thought it looks rough and that it’s inevitable other players will crash into you, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to be sporting some big bruises by the end of a game.
I’m not averse to tough things, but I’m not one for voluntarily putting myself into a situation where it’s more than likely I’ll get hurt.
My Goddaughter is a serious rugby player, so I thought she might give me a bit of kudos for having a go at a version of the sport!
What is Tag Rugby?
Tag rugby, sometimes referred to as flag rugby, is a minimal contact version of rugby.
A game consists of two teams competing to win points. Points are scored when a player touches the ball on the ground over the try line at the opposite side of the pitch. This is known as a Try. There are no conversions.
Rather than physically tackling a player to grapple the ball out of their hands, teams all wear tags that are attached by velcro to their shorts. A tackle in this game means removing the tag of the player with the ball, so far less impact!
Trying Tag Rugby With Try Tag Rugby
I went along to have a go at tag rugby, with Try Tag Rugby who are the UK’s leading Tag Rugby organisation – and what a phenomenal job they do! Just like many sports have an overarching company that governs the sport, Try Tag Rugby heads up the numerous licences of leagues across the UK.
They began when two Australians ran some adult tag rugby competitions in London. These sessions were so successful, and incredibly popular, that it was clear there was potential to expand beyond the capital. So in 2009, it became official and Try Tag Rugby was set up formally.
As well as playing a brilliant team sport to keep you fit, there’s a healthy focus on the social aspect of the game. Leagues are generally set up at locations where there’s a nearby venue available for a post-match get together.
There are over 75 leagues nationwide, and I went along to my local York Try Tag Rugby league. With over 80 members there are 8 mixed teams who regularly play against each other, and I was there on a quarter-final night.
Signing Up For A Taster Session
I signed up for the taster session through the website. It was really straightforward and simple. Shortly afterwards I received an email with all of the details, and a link to a brilliant video which gave a helpful overview of the game.
The Try Tag Rugby shorts would be provided, so I just needed to turn up with some water and enthusiasm.
My Experience of Trying Tag Rugby - The Taster Session
This wasn’t a taster session exclusively for new people. It was more of a regular weekly meet, although this week it was the quarter finals! Me and one other new guy were completely welcomed along though.
I introduced myself to someone who looked official. They greeted me warmly and gave an overview of the sport. Apparently they were down a member of staff which meant there wasn’t currently anyone dedicated for us first timers, but someone would be along shortly who would give us direction.
In the meantime, we had the opportunity to watch some games in action. This turned out to be super helpful. Watching a live match brought all of my limited knowledge to life and gave me a much better understanding.
Whilst different tag rugby teams may have slightly different rules, in Try Tag Rugby, an attacking team can have a maximum of 6 tags removed during their attempt to score. If the defenders de-tag them 6 times, they then take possession of the ball.
Warming Up
Two teams were playing in a later match so were putting in some tactical practice, and us newbies were invited to join them. Firstly we went through some passing drills, throwing the ball to each other along the line.
Next we practiced running, dodging, swerving and evading whilst attempting to de-tag another player.
I ran in the general direction of my friendly opponent – not at him, as that’s not how the game is played. It was just a jog as we were practicing. I reached out my arm, thrusting my hand to grab his tag. Except I completely missed and knocked my hand into his hip.
And there ended my first attempt at Try Tag Rugby.
Trying An Unexpected Added Bonus New Thing
It hadn’t been a particularly forceful bump, but the impact had been enough to dislocate my thumb! Whilst issuing instructions for the next activity, I shoved my hand out declaring that I had bust my thumb.
Lying across my palm at a full right angle, the opposable digit was in a position no thumb should ever be in. I didn’t notice any pain, maybe it was the shock of seeing it in such a freakish situation, but it clearly wasn’t right.
Thankfully one of the guys was very cool and calm and deftly popped it back into position whilst I looked in the opposite direction. It was certainly a relief to see it back in its rightful place, and to see it was still moving.
I felt a little sore and a lot embarrassed. After all, this had happened at the minimal contact version of rugby, AND during the warm up. I hadn’t even made it onto the pitch! My Goddaughter was suitably ashamed when she heard about it!
I’ve never dislocated anything before, so I guess I could potentially claim this as another new thing for 2024?!
The Match - Trying Tag Rugby
Whilst I was invited to play in the match, and part of me really wanted to give it a go, I decided bravado was probably not a good idea here.
My thumb was a little sore and the thought of catching a ball made me wince. There was no doubt that anything knocking into it would definitely hurt and could potentially do some serious damage. Instead, I watched the game whilst wiggling my thumb.
There are only 7 members of a team on the pitch at any one time. If a team has more than 7 players, they can be brought on as substitute at any point. I watched from the side line asking the subs various questions which gave me more insight into what was happening. It was brilliant to see the other newbie getting plenty of time on the field too. He was really good!
Half Time
At half time, the referee took the opportunity to check in with each team. The ref gave our team feedback on their performance. He also asked for any pointers about his role so far. Someone mentioned they felt the other team were making a bit too much contact and asked him to keep an eye on it. I think it’s great there’s the opportunity to raise things like this.
Final Score
Whilst our team lost, there were some fantastic moments. In particular there was some spectacular dodging and weaving through their opponents. There was a lot of learning from how the other team performed too.
Even though it had been competitive on the pitch, it was very friendly when the final whistle blew. Everyone shook hands and congratulated each other on a game well played.
Encouraging Mixed Play
One of the things I really loved about Try Tag Rugby, is that mixed teams are encouraged. In fact, all of the teams at York are mixed. The only other team sport I know of that is mixed is Korfball, the Dutch game a bit like basketball.
I also loved that the rules were geared up to make sure that females are an integral part of the team. Kick off is always done by a female, and if a female scores a try it is worth 2 points rather than 1 when a male scores.
Why You Should Give Try Tag Rugby A Go
- The leagues are professionally run by passionate people who clearly love the game.
- It’s a brilliant way to stay fit and active!
- The sport is really inclusive with mixed teams and differing abilities – everyone is welcome.
- It’s great if you are looking for a team game to be part of.
- With encouraged post match socials, it’s a fantastic way to meet local people.
- It’s definitely less of a contact sport than rugby.
My Thoughts About Trying Tag Rugby
I was certainly apprehensive about trying rugby, so loved the fact this was a low impact way to try a version of the sport.
Everyone was incredibly friendly, welcoming, encouraging and supportive. I felt I could ask absolutely anyone any random questions about the game and they were all super helpful.
It was amazing that most of the people I spoke to had only been playing for around four months, and they were all invested and committed to the league. They were definitely a passionate bunch!
It’s a shame my slight misdemeanour brought my taster to an abrupt end. However, I felt really well looked after with everyone checking in on me, and I loved being a part of the atmosphere and soaking it all up as I stuck around.
I did go and get my thumb checked out the next morning. Thankfully nothing was broken, and I’d just overstretched some ligaments. Maybe when it’s had a while to recover I’ll be back!
Want To Try It Yourself?
- Try Tag Rugby is an absolutely brilliant set up. Take a look at their website for in depth details about the history, how it’s played, and all of the leagues across the country. You can also sign up for a taster session.
- You can find Try Tag Rugby on Instagram too where they share recent news and events.
- If you don’t have a Try Tag Rugby league near you, take a look online to see if there are any other local groups playing that you could join for a session.
Cost Of Experience
- The taster session with Try Tag Rugby is free wherever you give it a go in the country.
- If you decide to join the league there is a cost.
- If you give it a go with another provider of Tag Rugby, there may be a cost, however it should be quite minimal.
Recommendations
- Whilst the shorts are provided with Try Tag Rugby, you want to wear sports clothing that is easy to run about in.
- Minimal contact sport, doesn’t mean no contact at all, and accidents are rare but can happen.
- Get stuck in, introduce yourself to other players, and ask lots of questions to help deepen your understanding.
- If you injure yourself during the session, make sure that you seek help.
- Have fun! Let me know if you give it a go!
Sounds like you had a brilliant time. I think I’ll stick to running though. Less chance of coming to any harm!
Good luck in your next new thing!
Oh I’m glad it came across that I enjoyed it, I really did! It’s just a shame about the slight incident! :o)
I’m with you on the running, it’s usually a much safer bet isn’t it?
I think the next few new things will have to be a little less hands on whilst my thumb settles down. Maybe it’s the perfect time to try hitchhiking?!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment, I really appreciate it.
Always great to try new things. I can never remember the rules.
It took a while for the rules to sink in for me if that’s any consolation? :o)
I agree, I love trying new things! Although usually they don’t result in injury!
Thank you so much for reading, and for the comment.
This sounds like so much fun! Although I’m really sorry you did get hurt. With any sort of rugby I bet I would too, but what a wonderful way to introduce people to the game without throwing them straight into the “violence”. Would be happy to try this out!
Teresa Maria | Outlandish Blog
Ah, thank you. I guess it’s just one of those things, and luckily I’m fine and no damage done. I’ll have to go back and have a proper go, but maybe not until next season – I’ll let my thumb have a rest!
That’s great you’d be happy to give it a go!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and leave a comment – I really appreciate it.
:o)