The region will fight it out with sides such as Super Rugby franchise the Brumbies, five-time French champions Biarritz Olympique and the Asia Pacific Dragons, an invitational squad of the finest players from Asia and the Pacific Islands.
The Blues will use the competition as part of their pre-season preparation as they look to build on an encouraging end to the 2013/14 campaign.
The World Club 10s will be the first international sports event held at the new 55,000-seater National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub from June 21-22.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the Blues to begin preparations for the new season against some of the greatest teams and players in rugby,” said Blues caretaker coach Paul John. “We will take a strong squad to Singapore and we hope many fans will join us and that Welsh supporters across Asia will back the Blues.”
“We are delighted to be confirmed as part of this superb new showpiece tournament and face other world-class teams from around the globe,” added Richard Holland, chief executive at the Blues.” This two-day tournament will be the first sporting event to be held at the National Stadium at the newly opened Singapore Sports Hub and we are honoured to be a part of history.”
With 10 players per team on a full sized rugby pitch, the World Club 10s will aim to blend the free-flowing action of Sevens with the more traditional elements of 15s. Each fixture will last 20 minutes and the Blues will be among eight sides in the professional tournament, with amateur showcase matches also set to take place at the indoor arena.
“We are delighted Cardiff Blues have recognised the potential of this new tournament,” said Jon Phelps, managing director of organsiers Carinat Sports Marketing. “Wales has long been one of the truly great rugby nations of the world, and to have the most famous one (side) is a great honour for us.
“Having Northern and Southern hemisphere clubs compete directly against each other here in Singapore is a ‘first’ for Rugby fans in Asia. We have more very exciting team announcements to come in the next couple of weeks, as the tournament is shaping up to be a truly historic occasion.”
