Global 10s event is ready for take-off
SUPER Rugby’s global 10s tournament will be officially launched next month, with signoff on the last remaining contracts imminent.
The two-day, 10-a-side tournament billed as the Brisbane Global 10s will be staged at Suncorp Stadium on February 11 and 12 after Duco Events secured multimillion-dollar Brisbane council and Queensland government funding for the next four years.
The event will feature 500 players, 14 teams from six countries, $NZ1.65 million in appearance fees and prizemoney and is expected to be broadcast in 20 different markets, including France and Sky Sports UK.
It is understood the five New Zealand and five Australian Super Rugby teams have signed contracts, as have Samoa, who have their Prime Minister’s backing, and Robbie Deans-coached Panasonic Wild Knights who have won the past three Japanese Top League titles.
South Africa’s Bulls, threetime Super Rugby champions, and French powerhouse Toulon, who boast Ma’a Nonu and Bryan Habana among others, are likely be the last two teams.
Duco Events also organise the NRL Auckland Nines and promote Kiwi heavyweight boxing contender Joseph Parker.
‘‘To put a world first tournament of this quality together is a monumental undertaking. It’s been three years of hard slog,’’ Duco boss David Higgins said. ‘‘Along the way we’ve thought it was on again off again, due to the complexities of bringing together a global tournament. There are still contracts to be signed but it’s looking good.
‘‘If we pull this off, it’ll be the greatest rugby 10s tournament by some measure; a home run on club, player, venue quality, broadcast reach, audience reach and prizemoney. It’s unprecedented.
‘‘The last six months I’ve been living out of a suitcase. Trying to put this together has taken me to France, UK, South Africa, Japan, Singapore, Samoa and back again. I was even in Papua New Guinean talking about TV rights.
‘‘From a Duco perspective this could be the hardest event we’ve ever put together. It’s the Mt Everest. The New Zealand and Australian rugby unions have been great to work with.’’
With all costs covered, teams are expected to take squads of up to 40 and contest a grand prize of GETTY IMAGES about $250,000. Matches will be played over 10-minute halves.
The February window sits two weeks before the start of the Super Rugby season and the tournament will replace one preseason fixture.
New Zealand Rugby general manager of relationships, planning and operations Nigel Cass was pleased with progress the event had made.
‘‘The major plus is it gives a really exciting pre-start and brings everyone back from summer with a focus on the start of Super Rugby,’’ Cass said.
‘‘We’ve worked closely with Rob Nichol the Players’ Association and the teams and we think there are very sensible arrangements in place and how it fits in the wider preseason programme. That side of things has taken some time to work through but we’re happy with where that’s got to.
‘‘Our teams are continuing to work with Duco but the deal is not done until it’s done.’’
Unlike the Nines, the 10s ownership structure allows Duco to develop direct relationships with specific clubs and individual players to ensure a much greater turnout of stars, the likes of Sonny Bill Williams and Israel Folau.
Eddie Jones, John Eales and Ali Williams have been consulted about the tournament and Deans spoke enthusiastically about his team attending.
‘‘It’s a great concept,’’ Deans said. ‘‘The traditionalist gets frustrated with sevens because it’s almost too fast and it doesn’t have that same point of difference in XVs. This is a good blend of the two versions.’’ ● 10-a-side tournament staged at Suncorp Stadium for next four years ● Held on February 11-12, two weeks before Super Rugby starts ● 14 teams - five Kiwi, five Australian Super Rugby teams plus Bulls, Samoa, Panasonic and Toulon ● 500 players - squads of up to 40 players ● 1.65 million dollars in appearance fees and prize money