About
Tug of War Ireland is the official governing body for the sport of Tug of War in the Republic of Ireland.
About Tug of War Ireland
Tug of War Ireland (TOWI) is the national governing body for the sport of Tug of War in the Republic of Ireland.
As an amateur, volunteer-led organisation, our mission is to promote, develop, and safeguard the sport at all levels — from grassroots community clubs to international representation — in accordance with the principles and rules of Tug of War Ireland and the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF).
We are proud to receive funding and support from Sport Ireland, for which we are very grateful.
Currently, over twenty affiliated clubs compete under the Tug of War Ireland banner.
Our Sport
Tug of War is a test of strength, teamwork, and strategy.
Teams of eight or five pullers compete, with a combined team weight that must not exceed the specific competition category. Each contest is officiated by trained referees under the strict rules set out by TWIF and Tug of War Ireland.
National & International Competition
The Tug of War International Federation (TWIF)
TWIF is the global governing body for Tug of War, with approximately 50 member nations.
It organises:
- World and European Outdoor Championships every two years
- World Indoor Championships every alternate year
Ireland is consistently among the top-performing nations, with a proud history of medal success at both club and national levels.
The sport is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and remains on the waiting list for reinstatement to the Olympic Games.
Indoor and Outdoor Seasons
Tug of War Ireland organises National Championships for both indoor and outdoor formats, with provincial competitions in Ulster, Connacht, Leinster, and Munster acting as qualifiers.
- Indoor Tug of War – takes place in the winter, contested on special rubber mats. Competitors pull flat-footed wearing rubber-soled shoes for grip and safety.
- Outdoor Tug of War – runs through the summer months, typically on grass. Competitors wear boots with a steel-plated heel to dig into the ground — commonly army or ski-style boots for support.
Typical competition weights range from 480 kg for women to 720 kg for men, with popular men’s categories including 600 kg, 640 kg, 680 kg, and 720 kg.
Competition calendar overview:
- Indoor season: Provincial championships start in October, nationals in November, and World Indoors every second February.
- Outdoor season: Provincial championships begin in April, nationals follow in June or July, and World/European Championships take place in September.
Our Organisation
In March 2020, Tug of War Ireland members voted unanimously at the AGM to incorporate as a Company Limited by Guarantee, formalising the organisation’s governance and ensuring the continued development and integrity of the sport.
📄 See also:
Pulling Together – A Sport for Everyone
Tug of War Ireland supports and promotes the sport at every level — from youth and schools to club, national, and international competition.
- Youth & Schools: We work with schools, youth groups, and community programmes to introduce young people to tug of war in a fun, safe, and educational environment that encourages teamwork, discipline, and respect.
- Clubs: Our affiliated clubs across Ireland provide training, coaching, and competition for participants of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned competitor, there’s a place for everyone.
- National Competition: Provincial boards organise qualifying events leading to the National Championships, where Ireland’s best teams compete for national honours.
- International Representation: Ireland proudly competes on the world stage, with teams regularly achieving success at World and European Championships at both club and national level.
Tug of War Ireland is an inclusive and welcoming organisation, open to everyone, young and old, and people of all abilities.
We actively support the development of mixed, youth, and inclusive teams, ensuring tug of war remains a sport where everyone can take part, contribute, and belong.
