By Alberto Macchione
Italy are going to the Oztag World Cup! Over 200 teams and 5,000 players and coaches representing over 30 nations will thrill spectators in intense competition including five heritage Italian teams.
We were fortunate to be invited to an Italy Oztag training session where Italian pride was on full display in North Parramatta recently, giving fans a sneak peak of the new line ups in their new regalia, sporting new logos and promotional flags ahead of the world championships in October.
After the various teams went through their paces, we were thankful to the squad for allowing us to have a chat with Adam, the captain of the Men’s 30’s. As we proudly looked over an entire field of men and women of all ages darting backward and forward in Azzurri jersey’s, we started by asking which teams would be representing Italy at the 2026 Oztag World Cup. “We’ve got mixed Opens. We’ve got Mixed 21s with Men’s Thirties, Men’s Opens, and our Ladies’ Opens.”
While teams continued to play some warm up games I asked Adam what his teams chances might be as they take on the world. “I think we’ve put a good start together.
There’s a core that’s been around for probably a couple of years now, probably three or four years now. So a couple of players have come up, we’ve played mixed opens in the last World Cup and men’s opens. So yeah, we’ve put a good core group together, and I think we’re in for a good chance.”
We asked Adam, who came up through the ranks in teams throughout the Sydney basin including St.George and Fairfield, how he came to wear the sought after representative jersey, “My mum is from Italy, Bronte Sicily” he proudly states, “It’s an honor for me to represent the heritage, especially with my mum, so its an honor to represent my family”. Adam goes on to acknowledge the coaches, committee members, volunteers and founders who work tirelessly to give these players these opportunities to represent the Italian and broader community so well,
“We’re a good bunch. We’ve come a long way. We’ve got a community together. The community’s done a lot of hard work to put on a day like this as well, and to get everybody together.”
Whilst thankful for the growing number of enthusiastic helpers, he also acknowledges the one person who put Italy on the map in Oztag and whose immense contribution can never be overlooked; “The food and, you know, the heritage is really shining with the flags and everything around. People know now who we are. We’ve come a long way since the first time I played in 2015. And we had two teams. We’ve got five now. So yeah, it’s come a long way. And credit to Chris. Chris has been running it since 2012, really.”
Long time player and Committee Member Jarrah travels from Queenstown New Zealand to represent his heritage team, so it was only fitting that we had a chat to him also. His words rang true for everyone on the field that day “We just want to drive home that real whole family culture. We want to build a culture, build the environment, and people come and they stay. You know, we’ve had people that have come and said, “This is the best experience I’ve had.”
So when we go down there, we’ve got heaps of sponsors, you know, great sponsors that have come on to spend a lot of money. And, you know, we’ve got tents and a physio and food. We’ve got all the drinks. We’ve got everything there. So people come in, you know, you need physio work done, physios are there. And not many other nations do. Even Australia only gives its players vouchers and they have to wait in line with everybody else.”
Jarrah does not shy away from the commitment of his new role, playing a major hand in rebranding Italy. “Yeah. And it’s funny too, because, like, you know, the general player doesn’t really know the time and effort that you’re donating your time. Like, you know, I’m in New Zealand now, so they’ll be having meetings at 8 o’clock at night in Australia. It’s 10 o’clock in New Zealand. So I’m up till midnight discussing, you know, food for the thing, and physios, and tents, and stuff like that. So, like, you know, I wouldn’t have it any other way. And, like, it’s good to.
Oztag is free flowing relatable form of tag based around rugby league rules. It is instantly recognisable to viewers and potential players. Because of this, we asked Adam who has played Oztag since 2004 what the benefits were for people thinking about joining the sport. “Get involved. It’s a good stepping stone and it’s non-contact. Good for fitness, socialising. Pick a team, put your name down in a competition.
If you don’t have a team, they will find you a team. So it’s very social. At the end of the day, everybody’s out there to have a bit of fun and get fit.” The team provide fantastic opportunities for sponsors and players alike and you never know, it could be you or someone in your family putting on an Italian jersey and playing for the World Cup! Follow the team on the socials or come out live and support the squads in C.ex International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, NSW.
For the players, however, the World Cup represents more than competition. It is a chance to celebrate family stories, reconnect with Italian heritage and create friendships across generations. With preparations now well underway, the excitement is building, and the five Italian teams will carry with them the support of everyone who has helped grow this remarkable Oztag journey over the years.
Behind every player is a story of dedication, family and community, with many travelling significant distances to train, compete and support their teammates.
As October approaches, the excitement continues to grow, with Italy ready to showcase its passion, determination and unmistakable Azzurri spirit on the international stage.
