Great Britain World Cup Flag Bearers announced
Great Britain Tag Rugby has named Matthew Jack and Lois Lau as its flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 ITF Tag World Cup in Coffs Harbour, Australia.
Mixed 22s captain Jack and World Cup gold medallist Lau will have the honour of leading the Great Britain contingent during the opening ceremony, representing the ten UK based GB teams preparing to compete on the world stage, along with the nine Australian based teams representing Great Britain.
The pair represent two very different stages of the Great Britain pathway, with Jack one of the programme’s emerging talents and Lau among its most experienced international players.
Great Britain Programme Director, Gregg Cropper said: “This is a fantastic honour for them both, and they represent two brilliant sides of what Great Britain Tag Rugby is about.
“Matty’s rapid rise from starting Tag Rugby just last year to captaining GB and now carrying the flag at a World Cup is a great story, while Lois’ experience, longevity and contribution to the programme speaks for itself.
“They will lead the GB contingent into the opening ceremony with great pride, and I know both will embrace what will be a very special moment in Coffs Harbour.”
Matthew Jack made his GB debut this summer in the British & Irish Cup, as captain of the Mixed 22s team. A strong and humble leader who has an exciting future ahead in Tag, Matthew plays regular Tag in the Coventry & Warwickshire region and remarkably only began playing Tag Rugby in 2025.
His rise from newcomer to Great Britain captain and World Cup flag bearer in little over a year reflects the impression he has made both on and off the pitch.
On his selection Jack said: “There’s nothing better in sport than being able to carry your flag. It’s a real honour and will be a special moment being able to do it in front of my dad. It's a once in a lifetime experience!”
Having first started playing Tag Rugby in 2011, Lois has represented Great Britain across multiple international campaigns and was part of the historic Women’s 30s side that became Great Britain’s first Tag Rugby World Champions at the 2023 World Cup in Limerick. Lois is one of a handful of players who have earned over 50 caps representing Great Britain Tag Rugby.
Lois plays her domestic Tag Rugby in London and will once again be part of the Great Britain squad competing in Australia.
On her selection Lois said: “It’s a huge honour to be chosen as one of the two flag bearers for this World Cup, especially on my 10th year of representing Great Britain. Every single time I get the opportunity to put on the GB kit and step onto the field, it is with an immense feeling of pride and excitement.”
Great Britain will send ten UK based teams, and nine Australian based teams at the 2026 ITF Tag World Cup, which takes place in Coffs Harbour from 15th to 18th October.