International Tag Eyes Growth in Asia – Japan Set Sights on Hosting 2029 Tag World Cup

The International Tag Federation believes that the sport will grow in Asia, following the recent 2025 International Tag Series (ITS) held in August, which they say was ” a meeting point for the global tag family.

The event at the C.ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour, Australia, saw more than 30 competing nations involved and included visits from Japan and Hong Kong.

The International Tag Federation said, “We believe hosting an Asia Cup could be a key step to raise standards and expose tag rugby across Asia, ” adding that the visits mark an important step toward building pathways and opportunities for Tag in Asia.’

In an online post, they outlined what Japan and Hong Kong hoped to roll out and achieve and the proposal of an Asia Cup and Pacific Nations Cup, and even a potential 2029 World Cup in Japan.

Japan Tag Football Federation 

Japanese representatives Hiro and Go from the Japan Tag Football Federation (JTFA) had a mission ‘to strengthen ties, gain knowledge, and lay the groundwork for the sport’s expansion in Japan and across Asia.’

Some of the goals were to:

• Building relationships between the ITF, OES, and JTFA for ongoing collaboration.
• Discussing short- and mid-term action plans for tag in Japan.
• Observe the ITS as part of Japan’s preparation for a future Tag World Cup candidacy.
• Connect with the Japanese heritage team in Australia to work toward a united Japan team entry for TWC 2026.

They also met with ITF Chairman Chris Cowan as well as the Hong Kong delegation to initiate discussions for the first-ever Asia Cup in 2026, with Japan likely to host. Japan also announced its ambition to host the 2029 Tag World Cup.

Photo Credit – Japan Tag Football Federation (JTFA)

Hong Kong Tag

From Hong Kong Tag, Azzi Nusantara connected with ITF leadership and explored opportunities to fast-track the sport’s growth.

Nusantara said, “After meeting Chris Cowan, Hiro, and Go and seeing the ITS tournament’s success, I’m optimistic about tag rugby’s growth in Hong Kong. While participation is increasing, the sport still lacks international experience. We believe hosting an Asia Cup could be a key step to raise standards and expose tag rugby across Asia.”

• Hong Kong hopes to develop the sport with improved standards, consistency, and international opportunities for its players.

Photo Credit – Hong Kong Tag

The ITF Tag World Cup 2026 is set to take place from October 15th to 18th at the C.ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour, Australia. 

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