The South African Tag Rugby Association has announced that it has concluded a sponsorship agreement with financial services brand Ninety One, ahead of this year’s Tag World Cup in Ireland.
South Africa has entered three teams in the tournament, which will take place at the University of Limerick in August. This will be the fourth Tag World Cup, with the three previous tournaments hosted in Auckland (2012), Gold Coast (2015) and Coffs Harbour (2018).
The Ninety One partnership will contribute to covering the cost of the the players’ kit and accommodation, with players selected for the World Cup having to raise the funding required to get to Ireland, covering flights, accommodation, kit and travel insurance.
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“We are so pleased we have the opportunity to assist the TagBOKS. We recognise their exceptional efforts and commitments to excellence. Ninety One wishes the players a wonderful experience and every success at the Tag World Cup,” said Ninety One CEO, Hendrik du Toit.
Tag Rugby is a non-contact form of rugby, where a tackle is made by pulling a tag off the belt of the opponent who has the ball. “The game is fast, fun and great for social or corporate team building, and suitable for boys, girls, men and women of all ages,” says a SA Tag Rugby statement.
“We hope that this will be the start of a long, and mutually-beneficial partnership. Ninety One has a proud South African heritage, starting in 1991 just three short years before Tag Rugby started working in communities in South Africa in 1994,” said Stuart McConnell, Director of the Tag Rugby Association. We are hoping that this relationship will highlight the work we do for our players and daily in communities, and attract new partners from other sectors. This will create more opportunities for our players, coaches and children, strengthening our sport. The association are working on a bid to host the 2026 Tag World Cup in Cape Town and the timing of this partnership is wonderful.”
The Tag Rugby Association has been working in communities in South Africa since 1994. The programmes initially focused on getting young children from under-resourced communities active and playing sport, specifically Tag Rugby. Since 2015, both social and competitive adult leagues have developed.
“South African players based in the UK strongly believe it is important to “leave no TagBOK behind,” said Miquela Bezuidenhoudt, UK team representative. “Ninety One have been really supportive of this initiative and have taken the opportunity to assist the team in getting to and experiencing a World Cup representing South Africa.”
