RugbyWA partnered with HSBC and World Rugby this week to celebrate the arrival of HSBC SVNS PER with Beach Tri Tag.
Over January 21 & 22, 2025, RugbyWA hosted Beach Tri Tag at Scarborough Beach for junior rugby players.
With just under 100 participants across the two days, the event saw Under 8’s to Under 12’s getting involved in Tri Tag, playing a round robin tournament led by RugbyWA’s Development Team. On the beach, participants were separated into 6 teams, named after the competing Rugby 7’s teams taking to the field at HSBC SVNS PER, where they got the opportunity to represent their allocated nation with pride.
Filled with future Rugby superstars, the two days were a celebration of the sport, while providing local junior players with the opportunity to develop their skills.
RugbyWA CEO, Simon Taylor, said: “With a growing Tri Tag and Rugby 7’s program in Western Australia, providing our juniors with the skills to become better rugby players is paramout. RugbyWA is thrilled to host events such as Beach Tri Tag, where future rugby superstars are able to display their growing talent, learn new techniques and meet other players within their direct community.
“RugbyWA strives to unite Western Australians on and off the field and to drive passionate involvement, so seeing kids' bond over the sport they love and connect with the international rugby community will be incredibly beneficial for the future of Rugby Union in the state.”
Beach Tri Tag saw HSBC SVNS Ambassadors and stars of the game come down and get involved, playing Tri Tag with the junior participants and supporting the game. The juniors had the opportunity to compete against the best in the world, dodging and weaving to try and score tries against legends of the game
World Rugby Ambassadors and Aussie 7’s legends, Charlotte Caslick and Maddi Levi came down and played with the juniors on Wednesday, alongside HSBC SVNS PER Ambassadors, Sean Maloney, Matt Hodgson, Michaela Leonard and Sera Naiqama. The participants were also treated to surprise appearances from the Spanish women’s team, who joined in the warmup on Day 1, and Black Fern superstar and Olympic Gold Medalist, Shiray Kaka, who brought her medal for the juniors to try on.
Charlotte Caslick said: “I love the community aspect of what we do. I love club rugby and being amongst people that love to play rugby as much as I do. I want to inspire young girls and boys to play – and with HSBC being a major sponsor of the Sevens Series my whole career, it’s given me the opportunity go all over the world and with that, connect with local communities, which is something really unique and special. Being able to do that at home, in Australia is only going to help grow the sport here which is something I’m so passionate about.”
Participants at Beach Tri Tag wore Tri Tag belts, to simulate the tackling position without initiating contact, and to encourage catch-pass practice and forward movement. With an attack-based structure, Tri Tag is Rugby Australia’s official non-contact rugby format that incorporates the skill set and fabric of rugby, and allows for accessible engagement, regardless of skill or experience.
The format offers a safe, inclusive, and fast-paced alternative to the traditional game, and is offered in Spring and Summer at select clubs throughout Western Australia. Tri Tag is currently being offered at Southern Lions and Kalamunda Districts.
The event also saw three local junior participants selected to be the official ball carriers for the finals of the HSBC SVNS PER. Those selected displayed RugbyWA’s values of respect, excellence and teamwork throughout their participation.
RugbyWA thanks HSBC, World Rugby, City of Stirling, Tourism Western Australia and SEDA College WA for their support and engagement of Beach Tri Tag.
