Perth-based Western Force are the third Super Rugby franchise and seventh teamoverall to line up for the June showdown in the holiday paradise of Mauritius.
April 11, 2016: The Western Force have been confirmed as the seventh side in this year’s eight-team World Club 10s, which will be held in Mauritius from 18-19 June.
Based in Perth, Western Australia, the Force are the third Super Rugby franchise in the tournament, joining fellow Australian club the Aquis Brumbies – who participated in the 2014 World Club 10s – and South African giants the Cell C Sharks.
European Champions Cup winners RC Toulon, Top 14 holders Stade Francais Paris and English champions Saracens represent a powerful northern-hemisphere contingent, while the star-studded Asia Pacific Dragons (APDs) invitational side return from the inaugural edition in Singapore two years ago.
The Force played the APDs in a pre-season match in February, winning 34-26, and are familiar with the Brumbies and the Sharks from Super Rugby.
Western Force CEO Mark Sinderberry said facing top-class northern-hemisphere teams would be a first for the club and is part of the overall appeal of the event.
“The Western Force are excited to be part of this year’s World Club 10s in Mauritius. It should be a fantastic event, with some tough competition,” Sinderberry said.
“As we expand our brand globally, the World Club 10s holds great appeal by bringing together top franchises and clubs from both the northern and southern hemispheres. The Force are excited to be one of eight top teams battling it out in Mauritius and look forward to what could be an interesting mix of playing styles.”
The World Club 10s is again supported by tournaments for amateur clubs, universities, women’s teams and age-group sides. Arnaud Martin, Chairman of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), was delighted with the addition of another team based in a city with direct flights to the holiday paradise.
“It’s great news for the tournament and Mauritius that the Western Force will be playing in the World Club 10s along with other sides from Australia, South Africa, Asia-Pacific, France and England,” Martin said.
“The World Club 10s is shaping up to be a special week. A world-class sporting event featuring top teams and players from the around the world will be the main highlight of an action-packed calendar of events that will take in many of the most famous attractions in Mauritius. It will be a special occasion for everyone involved.”
The 2016 World Club 10s is sponsored by Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, Air Mauritius and Beachcomber Hotels, sanctioned by World Rugby and Rugby union Mauritius, and owned and organised by Carinat Marketing.
