The NSWRL is pleased to announce more than 100 teams across eight districts will take part in the inaugural Monarch Blues Tag this season which will see participants learn all the rules and skills of Rugby League without any concerns about contact.
Cronulla, Manly and North Sydney will launch their competitions this weekend (27-28 April) with competitions to follow in Parramatta, St George, Canterbury-Bankstown, Sydney Roosters and Balmain districts.
“The NSWRL is proud to offer Monarch Blues Tag as another option to play Rugby League in line with our vision to make the game available and inclusive for all participants,” NSWRL General Manager – Football Barrie-Jon Mather said.
“Monarch Blues Tag is a non-tackle version of the sport but still teaches all the rules and skills of Rugby League including passing, catching and kicking.
“It’s a fun and safe way to play Rugby League and offers all participants another pathway and I’m sure we will see players come through the system who will go on to become future stars of the game.
“There’s still plenty of room for growth in Monarch Blues Tag so the NSWRL would encourage any clubs wishing to field a team or players who want to take part to get involved.”
Cronulla has 89 teams including all-girls competitions for Under 9s (15 teams), Under 11s (17 teams), Under 13s (12 teams), Under 15s (14 teams), Under 17s (6 teams) and Open Age women (8 teams), as well as Over 35 mens (17 teams).
Manly and North Sydney will combine to offer an Under 13s girls competition (6 teams) while Parramatta, St George, Canterbury-Bankstown, Sydney Roosters and Balmain will join forces with all-girls competitions for Under 11s (7 teams), Under 13s (4 teams), Under 15s (6 teams) and Under 17s (4 teams).
Monarch Blues Tag is as close to Rugby League as possible without tackling as it is played on a full field with 11 players and allows them to kick the ball. The season has been designed to run on a weekend day that avoids clashes with full-tackle fixtures, and also summer tag competitions.
