8 players
Teams play with eight players on the field, creating space, speed and plenty of attacking opportunities.
The game
What is Tag League?
Tag League is a fast, low contact version of Rugby League where players run, pass, kick and score tries without the heavy tackle contact.
6 tags
Each team has six tags to work the ball downfield and score, just like a Rugby League set.
Low contact
Defenders stop play by removing a tag from the shorts or tights instead of tackling the ball carrier.
Local comps
Play in organised local competitions across Sydney with structured draws, ladders and finals.
How it works
Easy to learn. Fast to play.
Tag League keeps the best parts of Rugby League while making the game more accessible for social players, competitive teams and mixed groups.
1
Run, pass and kick
Attackers move the ball downfield using passing, running shape and tactical kicking.
2
Defenders remove the tag
Instead of tackling, defenders remove a tag from the ball carrier’s shorts or tights.
3
Use your six tags
Teams have six tags to score before possession changes over to the opposition.
Why players love it
More structure. More tactics. More footy feel.
Tag League is designed for people who want the Rugby League experience without the full contact demands of tackle footy.
Real Rugby League shape
Play with first receivers, sweepers, kick options, defensive lines and genuine attacking structure.
Faster than standard touch
Tags create cleaner stops and quicker resets, keeping the game moving at speed.
Bonus tag tactics
The bonus tag creates extra attacking strategy and gives teams more ways to build pressure.
Social or competitive
Play for fitness and fun or chase the ladder. Tag League suits both social and serious teams.
Game basics
How a set unfolds.
Tag League is easy to understand once you see the flow. Each team gets six tags to move the ball, build pressure and score.
Start the set
Your team begins with possession and works the ball downfield.
Run, pass or kick
Use Rugby League style shape to move defenders and create space.
Defender makes a tag
The play stops when a defender removes the ball carrier’s tag.
Reset and play
Replace the tag, play the ball and continue the attacking set.
Score a try
Ground the ball over the try line before your six tags run out.
Changeover
If you use all six tags, possession turns over to the other team.
Who can play?
Built for all kinds of players.
Whether you are brand new to footy or coming back after years away, Tag League gives you a simple way to get active and compete.
Beginners
Simple rules, friendly teams and a low contact format make it easy to get started.
Ex players
Keep the Rugby League feel without the heavy collision and recovery demands.
Mixed teams
A great format for friends, workplaces and social groups to play together.
Competitive teams
Structured competitions, finals and tactical gameplay give strong teams plenty to chase.
Fitness groups
Stay active with sprinting, agility, passing and teamwork in a fun weekly format.
Junior players
A safer, confidence building way for younger players to develop footy skills.
The difference
Why Tag League feels different.
Tag League
- Rugby League inspired attacking structure
- Kicking allowed as part of gameplay
- Tags worn on shorts or tights
- Six tag sets create tactical pressure
- Low contact, high speed and high skill
Other formats
- Often less tactical kicking involvement
- Can feel more stop start
- May not replicate Rugby League structure
- Different equipment and rule formats
- Less connection to traditional league shape
Ready to play Tag League?
Find your closest competition, register your team and get involved in one of Sydney’s fastest growing social footy formats.