100 sign up for mixed gender tag rugby team in Bournemouth

More than 1oo people have signed up to a Bournemouth tag rugby team just seven months after it was launched.

The explosion in membership at Try Tag Rugby, who play at Meyrick Park, has contributed to the sport being one of the fastest growing all-inclusive mixed gender sports among adults in the UK.

The team was launched in April this year, and they have now completed the first two of the four seasons each year.

Bournemouth Try Tag Rugby team at half time in a recent match. Credit: Leila Odaro-Burnett.

Bournemouth’s Try Tag Rugby teams played their final game of the 10-week autumn season last night (Monday November 9).

Harry Pew, Try Tag Rugby’s regional manager and the licence owner for Bournemouth, said: “I was originally looking to play in a league and they didn’t have one so I thought I would set one up myself.”

It is one of few sports in which the teams are mixed gender, with a minimum of three women required per team.

In games, female tries are worth two points, whereas male tries are worth one.

Pew said: “It really helps get the girls involved because if you’re looking for that double point try, the guys are going to look to pass to the girls. It just keeps everyone included.”

Try Tag Rugby is heavily focused on the social aspects of the sport, rather than centred on results.

The teams in Bournemouth come together every Monday evening at Meyrick Park to play a game, followed by drinks at the clubhouse.

Try Tag Rugby signs in Meyrick Park, Bournemouth. Credit: Leila Odaro-Burnett.

Daniel Buckler, a member of Bournemouth Try Tag Rugby, said: “In our team we’ve got loads of mixed abilities, but we’ve connected. It’s nice to be a part of something and feel like you belong.”

The teams play two 20-minute halves, with seven a side on the pitch and between 10 and 12 in the matchday squad.

To encourage the community element of the sport, teams can have up to 20 members once initially established.

Karis Buckler, who has been playing with Bournemouth Try Tag Rugby for the two seasons, said: “Our team is just amazing, and all the other teams are lovely as well. We all get on so well.”

The teams will start their winter season in the upcoming weeks, with a goal to reach more people and grow the community even further.

Pew said: “It’s super accessible, super inclusive and we just want to get as many people involved as possible.”