Wigan Warriors Foundation Hosts Inaugural West Lancashire Tag Festival.
The Wigan Warriors Foundation has made a powerful move in the world of grassroots rugby by
hosting the inaugural *West Lancashire Tag Festival*, a thrilling event that brought together people
of all ages and abilities for a day of sports, fun, and community spirit. Held at the home of the
Wigan Warriors, the DW Stadium, the festival aimed to showcase the fast-growing sport of tag
rugby, offering participants an inclusive and exciting environment to discover the game in a non-
contact format.
A New Era for Rugby in West Lancashire.
Tag rugby, a non-contact version of the sport that eliminates physical tackles in favor of flag-pulling,
is a rapidly gaining popularity across the UK. The *West Lancashire Tag Festival* was designed to
promote the sport’s accessibility, engaging local communities and offering players an introduction
to the world of rugby in a safe and enjoyable way. As part of its ongoing commitment to developing
rugby at all levels, the Wigan Warriors Foundation took a bold step by launching the event, which
was hailed as a resounding success.
The festival was not only about playing rugby; it was about connecting with the community, offering
families a day out, and inspiring people to stay active. Through this event, the Foundation hoped to
spark a passion for the sport among young participants, while also providing a platform for adult
teams to enjoy the game in a less intense, but still competitive, environment.
A Festival for All Ages and Abilities.
One of the most impressive aspects of the festival was its inclusivity. Teams from across the West
Lancashire region, ranging from youth groups to adult amateur sides, took part in the tournament.
The event saw over 40 teams competing across various categories, with hundreds of spectators
cheering on their local players.
For the younger participants, it was a chance to experience the fun of rugby without the physicality
associated with traditional versions of the game. Tag rugby is often seen as the perfect introduction
to rugby for children, allowing them to learn core skills such as teamwork, agility, and ball handling,
while minimizing the risk of injury.
The adult divisions were equally thrilling, with experienced tag players showcasing their skills in
fast-paced matches. For these teams, the festival provided an opportunity to compete in a relaxed
but competitive environment, and many participants praised the event for its emphasis on
community over competition. Teams from across West Lancashire showed up to represent their
local clubs, creating a fun, festival-like atmosphere that was full of energy and excitement.
A True Community Event.
The Wigan Warriors Foundation made sure the *West Lancashire Tag Festival* was more than just
about rugby. The day was packed with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, food stalls, and
games that brought the entire community together. For many, the event served as an introduction
to Wigan’s rich rugby heritage, allowing fans of all ages to engage with the sport in a relaxed and
welcoming environment.
“It’s all about promoting rugby in the local community,” said Wigan Warriors Foundation
spokesperson Emma Woods. “Whether you’re a player, a coach, or a spectator, this festival is an
opportunity to engage with rugby in a fun and friendly way. We’ve seen so many people come
together today, from young kids to seasoned players, and that’s what it’s all about – building
relationships and a passion for the sport.”
Wigan Warriors legends also made their mark on the festival, with former players joining in the
action, offering tips and encouragement to the participants. Their involvement highlighted the deep
connection between the professional side of rugby and the grassroots level, and reinforced the
Warriors’ commitment to developing the sport at every level of participation.
Looking Forward to Future Festivals.
With the success of the inaugural event, the Wigan Warriors Foundation is already looking ahead to
making the *West Lancashire Tag Festival* a regular fixture in the region’s sporting calendar. Plans
are already underway to expand the festival next year, with hopes of attracting even more teams and
creating an even bigger celebration of rugby in the heart of Lancashire.
“We’ve been thrilled with how today’s event has gone, and the feedback we’ve received from players
and spectators alike has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Woods. “Our aim is to continue
building on this momentum and ensure that the West Lancashire Tag Festival becomes an event
that grows year on year.”
The *West Lancashire Tag Festival* is more than just a day of sport—it’s a celebration of
community, fitness, and rugby, and it’s clear that the Wigan Warriors Foundation is committed to
making it a cornerstone of West Lancashire’s sporting calendar for years to come.
