Oztag has recently grown to become one of the territory’s most popular sports, inviting all ages and ability levels.
Oztag is an active, non-tackling game that is played on a half-sized rugby field using velcro patches on each hip and a strip of cloth attached, known as a tag – following along?
We recently sat down with the senior men’s Head Coach Justin Hyland, to chat all things oztag in the ACT and beyond. Justin has been involved with ACT oztag for over 15 years, coaching all levels from the Little Tackers in the U9 boys to the Country Regional Representative Junior Women’s team.
There is no doubt Justin lives and breathes the sport, expressing his joy in seeing a greater number of women, corporate, and social teams starting to play.
“It’s seriously the best way to get outdoors with friends and run around. With no prerequisites, anyone can play!
The comps are open to all people of all ages and all competencies… from novice to A grade. The open games with mixed teams of both men and women means you can get everyone at work or school involved,” says Justin.
2022 National Oztag Championships
Justin and the team recently travelled to Coffs Harbour to mix it with the best in the 2022 National Oztag Championships.
The team made it all the way to the quarter finals, a cracking achievement, considering they’re playing states over 18 times their population size.
To prepare for the National Championship, ACT Oztag had a rigorous training regime but most importantly, they had their recovery sessions – which may or may not have included a beer or two at the RUC…
“Not only do the boys love coming to the RUC for the atmosphere and food, but the club’s sponsorship allows us to pay for uniforms and equipment, so the guys are always kitted out,” says Justin.
Looking ahead
Outside of their weekly matches, the senior men’s oztag team are looking ahead and preparing for the NSW Championships in March 2023. We wish the boys an awesome trip, full of laughs, comradery, and plenty of tries!
Get involved
Although the summer season has started, Justin urges anyone who gets excited by the thought of playing oztag to sign up for the winter season commencing in March 2023.
For both the junior and senior competitions, games run throughout the week in the evening across various locations around Canberra, including, Nicholls, Queanbeyan, Kaleen, Bungendore, and Calwell, making it accessible to everyone.
If you want to support the sport but aren’t quite ready to run around the field, Justin encourages the Canberra community to go and cheer the teams on the sideline. Whether watching mixed socials or the A-grade men’s and women’s teams, oztag is very much a spectator sport.
So next time you’re looking for a weeknight outing, head down to your local oztag oval, cheer on your friends and colleagues and stop by the RUC for a feed and beer post-game.
Want to learn more? Get in touch with ACT Oztag
If you’re as stoked as these oztag legends about the sport, discover more via act.oztag.com.au/ and be sure to check them out on Facebook and Instagram.