The Korea Tag Rugby Association was officially established on the 24th of the month at a conference held in Seoul, with Kim Dae-soo elected as the inaugural president. The association aims to enhance the sport of tag rugby, which minimizes physical contact compared to traditional rugby. This approach is intended to make the sport more accessible and to break down the perception that rugby is a dangerous sport for children. Kim expressed his commitment to building a structured system for competitions, education, and coaching to help tag rugby gain a foothold in schools and local communities in South Korea.

Tag rugby is a modified version of rugby where players remove tags from the hips instead of tackling, eliminating the need for protective equipment and allowing the game to be played in smaller spaces. Countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan have successfully integrated tag rugby into educational and recreational sports due to its safety and inclusiveness. The establishment of the Korea Tag Rugby Association is seen as a proactive step to overcome the existing fears around rugby and promote it as an enjoyable sport for all.

In a statement, Kim Dae-soo reflected on his experiences teaching children and acknowledged the high educational value of rugby while noting the prevailing fears around its safety. The association is determined to promote tag rugby in schools, believing it can evolve into a core sport in Korean school physical education. Senior adviser Choi Yoon emphasized the importance of combining education and health through sports, stating that he hopes the association will inject new energy into South Korea’s sports scene, particularly for children seeking enjoyment and physical activity through rugby.