HIGHLAND GAMES

Tug O’ War

Feel the pull, hear the roar, and be part of one of the most exciting spectacles of the Games.

Tug o’ War is an age-old Highland tradition and a major crowd favourite at the Hororātā Highland Games. The Signature Homes Tug o’ War delivers an intense battle of strength, teamwork, and sheer determination, played out in front of a passionate and vocal crowd.

Teams of six go head-to-head throughout the day in a series of heats, all working towards a place in the final TUG. With every match, the energy builds as the crowd rallies behind their favourites, urging them on in a test of grit and resolve.

Think your team has what it takes? Enter a team and be part of the action.

Proudly supported by

Related Links

Ts & Cs

Rules

Contact

Why should you enter this event?

  • A great team event for work mates, sports teams or just a group of friends.
  • Experience a range of other Scottish events and festivities.
  • Loads of atmosphere and an excellent post-event function.
  • Unique winners medals and good prize money up for grabs.
  • Challenge someone to a tug off!
  • Area to set up a gazebo and base for your team

Rules

The Signature Homes Tug O’ War is a fabulous team event and heaps of fun! This year we have reduced the team numbers from 8 to 6. This is allowable within Scottish rules and hopefully makes it easier for people to get a team together.

  • Senior Trophy (men’s) – heavyweight, 700kg weight restriction per 8 men. Teams of six plus two reserves

  • Senior Mixed – Teams of six plus two reserves. No weight limit. Minimum of three lassies per pull. 

  • Youth – Teams of 6 (12 – 16 years, must be at school) must include 2 lassies.

See more rules

The Tug O’ War will run from 12.30pm – 4pm. Draw will be released on the day. Junior teams will compete 11am. Times are suject to change depending on entries. We make sure you have time to enjoy the festival in between heats. 

Teams will have an area where they can set up a gazebo to store gear for the day.

Entries open 1st September and close 6th November.

Click here to enter

Late entries may be accepted if the category is not full.

This event runs wet or fine. We have wet weather contingencies.

Competition details will be emailed to competitors following the closing date. Follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with all entry information.

All competitors will receive a pass to the event. Remember to purchase your discounted supporters tickets!

All Senior Grade Teams

$160.00  (Includes gate entry for 8 people)

Youth Teams

$30 (Includes 1 x Managers entry pass)

Note: Entry is on a first-in basis as a limited number of teams can be accepted.

Grades 1st Place 2nd Place
Trophy The coveted Hororata Highland Games trophy, individual gold medals and $800 cash Silver Medals and $200 cash
Mixed

Individual gold medals and $800 cahs

 Silver Medals and $200 cash
Youth Individual Medals Silver Medals

Entry Dates

  • Open 1st September

  • Close 6th November 2026

no gate sales on the day, buy online