This summer a number of Auckland senior club rugby league players are hitting the Kiwi Tag field in a bid to stay in shape and touch ahead of the 2020 13-aside season getting underway.   

Kiwi Tag modules are being rolled out across nine different Auckland Rugby League clubs, with the Ellerslie Eagles’ programme including senior players. 

Ellerslie top-side member and first-time Kiwi Tag player Shonn Felise said he is enjoying the module at the club. 

“Even though I’m new to it I’ve enjoyed playing Kiwi Tag because of the similarities it has to league,” he said. 

“The module has helped me with general fitness heading into next season by making sure I’m still running around. 

“I joined to play with the boys, pretty much everyone is from the club so we all know each other, so it’s been good with all the banter too.” 

Fellow Ellerslie premier player Matthew Atuahiva said some of the rules, which set Kiwi Tag apart from other modified versions of the game, means it is an ideal way to keep skills sharp during the 13-aside off-season.  

“In terms of the rules I like the ability to kick above the head, in other tag competitions you can’t do that. I feel like it opens the game up a bit more and allows us to play more freely,” Atuahiva said.  

“The module has been good; the game is growing nicely.” 

If you would like to play Kiwi Tag or want more information about modules, email operations@kiwitagnz.co.nz.

Article added: Tuesday 03 December 2019