Tag Rugby

⏰ Day 31: This is what a World Cup preparation looks like when you're self-funded.

5:30am: alarm goes off
6:00am: gym before work
8:00am: full working day
6:00pm: second session of the day
9:00pm: fundraising calls and admin
11:00pm: sleep. Repeat.

Our players aren't professional athletes with training camps and support staff. They are teachers, coaches, administrators and entrepreneurs who are doing all of this on their own time and their own money.

That is who South Africa is sending to the World Cup 🇿🇦💚

Minister Gayton Mckenzie , this is the dedication your department exists to reward.

🇿🇦 Day 30. One month.

Thirty days ago we started this campaign with a simple ask. Today we mark one month not with frustration, but with pride.

Pride in our players who have never stopped training. Pride in our supporters who have shared every post. Pride in what South African Tag Rugby®️ represents: grit, community and a refusal to be invisible.

We are going to Coffs Harbour. With or without government support, South Africa will be on that World Cup field in October.

Minister Gayton Mckenzie, the door remains open💚🇿🇦

🇿🇦 Day 28. Four weeks. 28 posts. One ask.

Minister Gayton Mckenzie , South Africa has 46 athletes, coaches and staff heading to the Tag Rugby World Cup in Coffs Harbour this October. They are proud, prepared, and self-funded.

We've shared their stories. We've shared the numbers. We've been patient, respectful, and persistent - because that's what South Africans are.

The ask hasn't changed: five minutes of your time, and the chance to make a real difference for real people who love this country.

We'll keep going until we hear from you. Because that's what our teams do. 💚🙏🇿🇦

Day 27. Let's be honest:

If we don't receive government support, our players will still go to Coffs Harbour. They'll fundraise harder, sacrifice more, and show up for South Africa regardless - because that's who they are.

But they'll go knowing their country didn't show up for them. And that matters.

Minister Gayton Mckenzie , there is still time to change that story. We are still asking, not out of desperation but out of pride in what these 46 people represent 🙏💚

We hope to hear from you soon 🇿🇦

🌟 Day 26: Meet Axola

Axola is one of 40 players on our squad, originally from Gamalakhe Township in KZN. She grew up playing Tag Rugby® recreationally and committed to the sport competitively in 2025. Axola has now been selected for the national team for the first time.

“The communities are waiting to see one of their own successes. The belief that sport can be a tool for hope, not just a competition. I carry that with me to the 2026 Tag World Cup - and into every opportunity beyond it”

Four weeks in, Minister Gayton Mckenzie . We're still here for Axola and every one of our 46 🇿🇦💚

Day 25 of posting until Minster Mckenzie and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture notice us.
🌟 Today we shine a light on our Women's team.

South Africa's Women's Tag Rugby® team has earned their place at the World Cup in Coffs Harbour through dedication, skill, and sheer determination. They will be the first Women’s Open team from Africa to compete at a Tag World Cup.

Many of them face additional financial barriers - and yet they show up, train hard and wear the green with pride.

Investing in women's sport at grassroots level is one of the most impactful things that government can do. Minister Gayton Mckenzie, here is a direct and tangible opportunity to do exactly that 🙏🇿🇦

📣 Day 24: A message from Tag Rugby® Association.

We started this campaign 24 days ago with a simple, respectful ask: five minutes with Minister Gayton Mckenzie 🙏

We haven't heard back. But we want to be clear - this campaign has never been about embarrassing anyone. It's been about making sure 46 South Africans are seen, heard and supported as they prepare to represent their country at a World Cup.

We remain open to that conversation. Today, tomorrow or any day before October. Our door (and our phone) is always open.

South Africa, keep sharing. Help us be heard🇿🇦💚

🌟 Day 23: Meet Nazmie

Nazmie (right) earns a living selling fruit and vegetables. Tag Rugby® has taken him from Mannenberg to a national jersey. And this October, to the World Cup stage in Coffs Harbour, Australia.

Nazmie started played Tag Rugby® three years ago and instantly fell in love with the sport.

Minister Gayton Mckenzie, these are the people behind the badge. We are proud of every single one of our players, and hope that South Africa is too 🇿🇦💚

💚 Day 22: Why does Tag Rugby® matter?

Because it's inclusive. Men, women, mixed teams - all competing at the same World Cup. Because it's accessible - no heavy contact, no expensive equipment, playable almost anywhere. Because in South Africa, it reaches communities that traditional rugby doesn't always reach.

And because 46 South Africans have worked hard enough to earn the right to compete at the highest level of their sport.

That's why it matters, Minister Gayton Mckenzie. That's why we're still here on Day 22. 🇿🇦

Big changes are coming for kids in age groups U5-U8! 🏉 Have you seen SA Rugby’s latest announcement about rugby safety and skills development?

Swipe through for all the important info as well as how we can help you 💪

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected]