Sydney Juniors mini rugby revolution as game designed by former footy star adopted

It’s a ripping great game designed to attract more little girls and boys to rugby designed by a former star of both rugby and league. And it’s coming to a ground near you.

It’s a ripping new game designed by a former rugby union and NRL star designed to capture the hearts and minds of a new generation of little rugby players.

Tri Tag will be rolled out at a record number of clubs by Sydney Juniors Rugby Union (SJRU) as part of regular minis tournaments for under 6s to under 9s played each weekend from April 6 to August 24.

Little footy enthusiasts in around 280 teams will play the new game designed by cross coder Mark Gasnier as part of a campaign to introduce more girls and boys to the sport, teach them the skills of the game and create a new legion of rugby lovers.

Tri Tag will see the youngsters wear a three-tag stretchable tagging belt in a safe and non contact environment with the game replacing the two-handed touch previously played by the minis community.

Mini rugby players. Picture: Supplied

Mini rugby players learning the skills. Picture: Supplied

“It’s a lot of fun and the kids just love the sound of the velcro ripping off,” said new competition director Shane Williams.

“The idea is for them to have a lot of fun and really enjoy themselves while being introduced to the game.’’

“I haven’t seen a kid yet who doesn’t love it.’’

Mini rugby players enjoying the sport. Picture: Supplied

Organisers believe the new system will teach kids the right techniques in rugby more than the game previously played at this level.

“Previously we had two-handed touch,’’ said SJRU general manager Ben Gregory.

The new game will be played across Sydney in upcoming weeks Picture: Supplied

“This is something different. The tags are fluoro coloured so they have a target at the waist

“This is teaching them the right technique to tackle at the waist later on when they are older.’’

Tri Tag has been adopted as a two-year- pilot with minis tournament played each Saturday across Sydney’s west, north shore, northern beaches, eastern suburbs and southern districts.

There will also be a Sunday competition for kids with Saturday sport conflicts.

For more information go to SJRU

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