4 December 2012
Pacific nations support World Cup of Tag Football 6-8 December, North Harbour Stadium Auckland
Pacific nations such as Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga will fly the Tag Football flag at the World Cup of Tag
Football 6-8 December 2012.
And they’re hoping their communities will show up and support their teams.
The World Cup of Tag Football 2012 is the first for the International Tag Football Federation (ITFF) in associations
with NZ Tag Football Incorporated and OzTag Australia.
New Zealand has the biggest representation with 16 teams in all grades, New Zealand Maori hosting 10 sides and a NZ
Barbarian contingent. Australia 16 teams in all grades and the Australia Indigenous sides.
Pacific nations make up a good proportion of the representatives although the sport has not yet established in the
islands. But it is hoped the World Cup showcase will spark interest to start local competitions.
Tokelau, one of the world’s smallest sporting island nations has one team. Fiji has 2 teams with Niue and Samoa with 9
teams each. But all teams are vying for placing on the international ladder. Other nations include Great Britain,
Ireland, Japan, Lebanon and Malta.
Former NRL ref and International Tag Football Federation (ITFF) Chair Bill Harrigan said the growth of the sport was
phenomenal with England, Ireland and Japan making it a truly international event. He will be in Auckland for a public
speaking event at the Tag Football Referees dinner.
The opening ceremony on Wednesday 5th December 2012 at North Harbour Stadium will have a Maori welcome, Cook Island
dancers and performance by Deelicious followed by the Country Flag Raising. Thursday 6th – 8th December 2012 – Game On!
What’s happening?
Opening Ceremony: Wednesday 5 December 2012, 5:30pm North Harbour Stadium.
Day 1 – Thursday 6 December 2012 – 8am- Official start of games Day 2 – Friday 7 December 2012 – Games continue Day 3
Saturday 8 December 2012 – Finals Day
ENDS
www.internationaltagfootball.com