Possible Super Rugby 10's comp

RUGBY could get its own version of the popular Auckland Nines tournament, with officials in early discussions about hosting a 10s competition between Super Rugby teams.

The promoters behind the Auckland Nines league tournament, Duco Events, are understood to have approached rugby heavyweights about the idea, although it remains embryonic.

One scenario that has already been touted is having the inaugural tournament in Brisbane at the start of 2016, with the prize-money on offer said to be upwards of $2 million.

But if it were to involve all SANZAR nations, it’s unlikely the proposed tournament would remain in Brisbane every year. Instead, it would be shifted across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The idea is believed to be one of a number of global projects Duco Events is contemplating.

Neither Duco Events or the ARU wished to comment on the 10s tournament.

The 10s format already exists in rugby, with the World Club 10s tournament played in Singapore this year won by the Auckland Blues, who defeated the Brumbies in the final.

While Sevens rugby is undoubtedly the dominant shorter format of the code, players have generally enjoyed the 10-a-side version, particular because there is more of a traditional contest in scrums and lineouts but more of the open space lacking in the 15-man game. The Auckland Nines debuted in February this year to great success.

Scheduling could be tricky with a rugby version because from 2016 the Super Rugby tournament will be expanded to 18 teams, including new entities from Argentina and Japan.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/t...-1227155915278

I love 10's! I'll watch this, no worries. Could be an interesting vehicle to expose Super Rugby outside of SANZAR too.

I like the idea, and Duco Events are definitely the right people to have behind it, but whether they can get the calendar and all the vested interests to cooperate is another matter.

I too like the idea, I'd even contemplate flying over to watch it if the first one were held in Brisbane.

I'm not sure how fond teams will be of all that flying around before the start of the season either if everybody's involved.

Maybe one day, the Hong Kong Super 10's perhaps..?

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Originally Posted by chibi

Maybe one day, the Hong Kong Super 10's perhaps..?

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No.

Can't see it happening. The players will want a break & coaches won't want their preseason interrupted by learning moves for a 10 man game when they are getting their seasons plays ready with 15 a side in mind

Look @ what they are saying in the NRL at the moment about overloading the players schedules