Inclusive Tag Rugby

Our Inclusive Tag Rugby offering is for players with disabilities is a fun, fast-paced, non-contact version of the game that helps players develop running, balance, and ball-handling skills in a safe and enjoyable way.

It’s a great way to stay active and healthy while enjoying the benefits of being part of a rugby team. The game is open to men, women, and children of all abilities from the age of 6 upwards, with no upper age limit.

Who Can Play?

Inclusive Tag Rugby is designed to be fully inclusive, welcoming players with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, and learning needs. While the game can also cater for wheelchair users, it is usually played on grass pitches. As the main playing season runs from September to June, wheelchair use will depend on weather and pitch conditions unless indoor facilities are available.

Why Play Inclusive Tag Rugby?

• Fun & Fast-Moving – An exciting, non-contact game that everyone can enjoy.
• Healthy & Active – Builds fitness, coordination, and ball skills.
• Inclusive & Welcoming – Open to players of all abilities, from age 6 and up.
• Team Spirit – Be part of a supportive rugby community and make new friends.

Where Can I Play?

The number of clubs offering Disability Tag Rugby continues to grow across Ireland. However, not every club currently runs a team. Some players may begin in their local minis programme and later move to another club to continue playing in a safe and supportive environment.
A list of clubs offering Disability Tag Rugby can be found below. Please note that not all clubs provide both under-15 and over-15 teams.

Connacht

Leinster

Munster

Ulster

Mixed Ability Rugby

Mixed Ability Rugby is “just rugby” — a full-contact team open to anyone who wants to play. It is not a disability-labelled team: players are not classified by physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities. Everyone plays together, sharing the same training, matches, and team identity.

General Rules:

• 15-a-side
• Mixed disabled and non-disabled players in each team
• Full contact (with uncontested scrums)
• Over 18 only

Who Can Play?

Mixed Ability Rugby is available to people with and without disabilities, people returning to the sport after some time away, those new to rugby, or those who want a place in a team where they can contribute, belong, and still enjoy the competitive and social aspects of the sport.

If a club offers Mixed Ability, it means:

• You don’t need specific classification or diagnosis to join
• It welcomes players who’ve been out of the sport, missed seasons, or moved away from competitive rugby but want to come back
• It offers a structure for both playing and giving back (e.g. mentoring, volunteer roles, helping new players)
• It encourages social involvement like tours, team-bonding, and travelling to matches

Benefits of Mixed Ability Rugby

Research and experience from mixed ability teams show a range of significant benefits, for both individuals and clubs. Some of the key ones include:

Is Mixed Ability Rugby Available Across Ireland?

Mixed Ability Rugby is continuing to grow in Ireland, but only a small number of clubs currently run teams. You can find their details below – we encourage you to get in touch directly to learn more and connect with the teams.

If your club is interested in developing a Mixed Ability Rugby programme, the IRFU can provide guidance, training, and resources to help you get started. Please contact the IRFU Disability & Inclusion Officer for more information.

The current list of clubs providing mixed ability rugby can be found below:

Inclusive Tag Rugby is for players with disabilities in a fun, fast-paced, non-contact version of the game that helps players develop running, balance and ball-handling skills in a safe and enjoyable way.

It’s a great way to stay active and healthy while enjoying the benefits of being part of a rugby team. The game is open to men, women and children of all abilities from the age of 6 upwards, with no upper age limit.

It is designed to be fully inclusive, welcoming players with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory and learning needs. While the game can also cater for wheelchair users, it is usually played on grass pitches. As the main playing season runs from September to June, wheelchair use will depend on weather and pitch conditions unless indoor facilities are available.

Visually Impaired Rugby

Vision Impaired Rugby is an adapted version of the game, based on the touch format of the game, designed to be safe, fun, and accessible for players with a wide range of sight conditions to take part while keeping the excitement, teamwork, and spirit of rugby for both players and spectators.

What is Vision Impaired Rugby?

A specially adapted ball, fitted with small bells, makes a sound as it moves through the air so players can track it by hearing as well as sight. Coaches also emphasise strong verbal communication among teammates, which is a key part of the game.

Who Can Play?

Vision Impaired Rugby welcomes anyone over 18 with varying degrees of sight loss, typically those between B2 and B5, Because it is a non-contact format, it is safe for beginners, returning players, and anyone who wants to experience rugby in an inclusive environment.

Is Vision Impaired Rugby Available in Ireland?

Yes. IRFU, in partnership with Vision Sports Ireland, has developed the first Vision Impaired Rugby team at Old Wesley RFC (Dublin) and open to any players from across the 4 provinces.

Venue: Energia Park (Donnybrook Stadium)
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Frequency: Monthly sessions
The IRFU and Vision Sports Ireland are working together to expand opportunities for blind and partially sighted players across all provinces in the future.

How to Get Involved in Vision Impaired Rugby

Players: If you are have a vision impairment and would like to try rugby, you are very welcome to join the Old Wesley RFC VI Rugby sessions. No previous rugby experience is required.
Volunteers & Coaches: We are always looking for volunteers to help with guiding, coaching, and supporting players on and off the pitch. Training and resources are provided.
For more information, please contact David McKay, IRFU Disability & Inclusion Officer

If you are interested in finding our more details, please email our Disability & Inclusion Officer, David McKay

Across the four provinces, we strive to ensure that every rugby club is a welcoming place where all players have a positive, lifelong experience in the game. Players can remain part of the Irish Rugby family throughout their lives, taking on roles that allow them to be the best version of themselves.

The IRFU is committed to providing opportunities for as many people as possible to play and participate in rugby, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

International Gay Rugby (IGR) is the representative organisation for the global LGBTQ+ rugby community which hosts tournaments around Europe and the world . Several Irish clubs are also members of IGR, offering inclusive and welcoming rugby experiences for adult players of all levels of skill and experience.