The eight confirmed Teams to play:
Western Force, Toyota Cheetahs, Africa Pacific Dragons, Pyrenees Rugby, Vodacom Bulls, Harlequins, Kubota Spears, Brumbies in one of the world’s most stunning destinations
The Beachcomber World Club 10s will be played 17th – 18th June at Anjalay Stadium with TV coverage around the World. The 10-a-side invitational will again feature Super Rugby franchises and northern-hemisphere clubs in an eight-team event starting with two pools will compete in the 3rd Edition of the World Club 10s.
Australian Super Rugby franchise, Western Force have confirmed they will return to Mauritius on 17th-18th June to defend the World 10s title they won dramatically against Brumbies in 2016.
The Brumbies will hope to make it 3rd time lucky having been runners-up in both 2014 and 2016.
Aviva Premiership English Club, the Harlequins, celebrating their 150th Anniversary, will make their tournament debut along with South Africa’s Currie Cup champions Toyota Cheetahs.
The Vodacom Bulls will join their South African compatriots in Mauritius making their debut. The Bulls competed in the Brisbane 10s in February and are keen play more of the format.
The star-studded Africa Pacific Dragons will return, while French glamour side Pyrenees Rugby will bring high-quality players from France for their debut.
Kubota Spears from the Top League in Japan complete the line-up for 2017, and take heir place alongside the northern hemisphere challenge.
There will be a keen South African interest as well with Kubota Spears Head Coach Frans Ludeke, a former Bulls, and Golden Lions coach.
His squad in Japan also includes other former Bulls players Lappies Labuschagne and Grant Hattingh.
Gilbert Espitalier-Noel, CEO of Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels said: “We are delighted to become the Title Sponsor and build on our first experience of the 10-a-side format last year. The quality of the rugby was outstanding, and the format combines the attacking flair of 7's Rugby and the structure of the XV man game, ensuring a great spectacle.
“We believe the combination of this fantastic sporting entertainment and everything Mauritius has to offer, will see this event grow to become a major "rendez-vous" on the world rugby map. Beachcomber shares many of the same values of rugby, such as passion, teamwork, honesty and camaraderie. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our Beachcomber hotels and our beautiful island of Mauritius."
Once again Clubs, universities, women’s teams and age-group sides will all be invited to compete in the various supporting competitions that will be a key part of a week-long rugby festival. In addition, golf tournaments, beach rugby and rugby clinics will be running throughout the “Rugby in Paradise week”.
Mr Kevin Ramkaloan, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Agency said:“We are delighted to have the Beachcomber World Club 10s in Mauritius, and are very excited with the line-up and the global exposure the Tournament brings. We are especially pleased to see so many sponsors such as Beachcomber, Medine, Casela, Harel Mallac and SBM supporting the event and we look forward to see many rugby fans visiting Mauritius in June to enjoy #rugbyinparadise.”
Heyneke Meyer, the newly appointed Managing Director of Carinat Sports Marketing the founders and organizers, said: “I came to the Tournament last year and was involved with the Africa Pacific Dragons. The whole experience reminded why rugby is my passion.
“This is an extraordinary event with some of the best players in the world alongside amateurs and rugby fans – it is a unique format of rugby, a special atmosphere, the most unique setting for a rugby tournament in the world. We are sure many rugby and sports fans will be looking to make the trip to enjoy the week.”
As part of the commitment to rugby development, a new and innovative Tournament has been created, and will be played alongside the World Club 10s.
Kevin Venkiah, President of Rugby Union Mauritius, added:“Rugby Union Mauritius is delighted to Host the World Club 10s again, and also welcome the African Nations 10s. As the Host Team we know that our local rugby community and proud Mauritian sports fans will be out in full force to support our national team. This Event continues to grow and grow into the biggest International sporting event in Mauritius.”
The World Club 10s is owned and organized by Carinat Sports Marketing, and sanctioned by World Rugby, Rugby Afrique and Rugby Union Mauritius.
WORLD 10s CHAMPIONSHIPS AT A GLANCE
- 2014 Champions Blues played in Singapore
- 2016 Champions Western Force played in Mauritius
- Forty-eight matches played over two days in both Tournaments
- Nearly 300 players from more than 14 countries will play over the weekend
- Broadcast live Globally
- Ten players per team on field, with unlimited, rolling substitutions
- Ten minute halves, two minute half time
- Five player scrums
Team Quotes
WESTERN FORCE
Mark Sinderberry, CEO of Western Force:
“We are excited to be coming back to Mauritius to defend the title. 2016 was a great year for rugby in WA with Western Force winning the World Club 10s and Perth Spirit winning the NRC.It is a great line-up and we know the level intensity will step up with the other teams now confirmed. All of the Squad enjoyed the Mauritius experience and Rugby in Paradise."
VODACOM BULLS
Nollis Marais, Head Coach said:-
“The Vodacom Blue Bulls are very excited to be going to the Beachcomber World Club 10s. It is a perfect time of the season as we build back up for the end of the Super Rugby campaign, and on the beautiful Island of Mauritius, it is definitely Rugby in Paradise. Hopefully some of our fans will come across as well. We really enjoy the 10s format as it gives the players a bit more space on the pitch so they are able to relax and enjoy playing. I know we will have a great week.”
CHEETAHS
Franco Smith, Head Coach, Toyota Cheetahs: “We heard a lot of good feedback about the tournament last year, so when the Toyota Cheetahs were offered an Invitation, we were delighted to accept. Mauritius is one of the world’s most beautiful and exotic destinations, and very popular for South Africans, so hopefully some of our fans will make the trip across. “We’re looking forward to testing ourselves against the teams from the UK and France, we will be taking a very strong squad, and we are looking forward to an amazing week.”
HARLEQUINS
Tony Diprose, Global Development Director, Harlequins: “We are really excited to be making our World Club 10s debut this summer and are grateful for the invitation to this exciting annual tournament to play against some of the best club sides in the world.
“Across its 150 year history, Harlequins has been a very famous touring side and we are delighted to carry on this tradition by expanding our global footprint and introducing our famous quartered shirt to Mauritius.”
KUBOTA SPEARS
Frans Ludeke, Head Coach, Kubota Spears: “Kubota Spears are very honoured and excited to be invite to play in the Beachcomber World Club 10s, alongside some of the biggest and best club in the world. This is another major step for our rugby development and to represent Japanese rugby in a global tournament. We will look forward to coming to the beautiful island of Mauritius in June
PYRENEES
Laurent Capdevielle, President, Pyrenees Rugby Seven Club: “We are very proud to accept the Invitation to be the French representatives represent at the World Club 10s in Mauritius. It is an extremely strong Tournament with many world class Clubs participating this year. “But we will sure to bring a strong squad with top class players to ensure we showcase the best of French rugby. Mauritius is a beautiful Island, and we know the players and our supporters will be enjoy the experience."
The Beachcomber World Club 10s is fully sanctioned by World Rugby, Rugby Afrique and Rugby Union Mauritius.
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