Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver says the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens is here to stay, hailing the inaugural event as a resounding success.
Pulver described the tens, which kicked off on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium, as the “most powerful launch vehicle” for a domestic season he had ever seen.
A reasonable crowd was on hand for day one, despite searing 36 degree heat that prompted fears of a potential flop.
The ARU will capitalise on the presence of all five Australian franchises in Brisbane by launching the new Super Rugby campaign there on Monday.
“I love the tens concept,” Pulver said.
“I think it is the most powerful launch vehicle for a Super Rugby season that I’ve seen so far.
“The teams are obviously doing it in terms of the fun of playing in a tens event but also using it for trial matches, to finish off their strength and conditioning work.
“It’s great rugby to watch on TV. I’m enjoying watching it.”
There has been talk organisers Duco Events might consider a future swap with the NRL’s Auckland Nines, their other flagship summer event, which could move to another city after next year.
However, the Queensland state government has signed a four-year deal to keep the tens in Brisbane, where Australian rugby can actually benefit from the buzz generated and where Pulver would like to see it remain.
“It’s a big, big rugby market for us and a good market for this event to be held,” Pulver said.
“Presumably (the Queensland government) would be able to have a bit of say in terms of where it goes.
“New Zealand Rugby Union would have a bit of say, if they wanted it to go to Auckland, and I don’t know the answer to that.
“But absent a better plan, I really like the idea of this event staying in Brisbane.”
In brief
Guest
it's interesting that Duco are thrilled with the 10s - as Andrew walker said how good is this?
Garry Edwards
Guest
Now, now, rugby boys Rick does have a point and what 's even worse he's correct. Suck it Up and get over it.
In brief
Guest
When i saw one comment against this story I thought that has to be Rick. Clicked in and there he was. Funny. Never wrote anything about Wally so you got that one wrong - clearly I'm on your mind though, which I appreciate.
NaBUru38
Guest
The next year, please invite the Jaguares and sell the tv rights to Espn Latin America.
Mambo
Roar Rookie
Wally was lazy, but he was a genius.
Bakkies
Guest
Trade unions struggling in Australia is a good thing
Smithy
Guest
Is this Rick or Cathar?? Surely not the same person?
Rick Diznek
Guest
I certainly had a very long laugh at your brilliant 'Wally Lewis was lazy' thesis, In Brief. Only 8 Man of the Match awards. Still easily a record. You are going well. No wonder you are stalking me. Get in the queue. lol
Jock Cornet
Guest
Every sport is booming except rugby in Oz. Rugby is booming worldwide. Pulver has to go he has no passion for rugby. It is just a large paying hobby
Rick Diznek
Guest
Pulver is like the former spokesperson for Hussein in Iraq telling everyone things are going swimmingly as the tanks roll in outside the studio... Does that sufficiently describe why he is 'out of touch'?
Rick Diznek
Guest
You just have to laugh at the state of union in Australia. No matter how many aliases of Poly Warrior try and defend it. Lol
Hard Yards
Guest
Sensitive much?
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes agree with that. As a one off it will always only be a novelty that teams just attend with who it suits but don't particularly target. When it doesn't have a seasonal context around it, nor the best players available, like sevens it's got to be about the entertainment value. A Brumbies Tahs tens match doesn't have the same level of importance as a XVs match where it can hold up as value on its own even if the match itself is a dour one, because of its importance to the overall season. That's where XVs has it all over the other formats. It stands way out on its own as a product where Sevens and Tens etc lend heavily off it.
soapit
Guest
yep i cant understand why people seem to be complaining its not a distinct serious game. its just a bit of a run around watching a big variety of (some) good rugby players score tries. agree ballymore might be a better fit.
Sports Prophet
Roar Pro
I hadn't watched any of the tournament but I think your feelings are similar mine to that of the NRL 9s v RU/RL 7s. Glorified touch is a great word for 7s. I am sure 10s required a bit more tactical nous, like NRL 9s.
Sports Prophet
Roar Pro
Hold on "In Brief", didn't you and "Smithy" also comment at the same time? As for delusional "Rick D", how has this article shown Pulver to be out of touch?
tc
Guest
The jury is still out for me, but one thing I would say is, maybe send it around Brisbane, Auckland and Cape Town every three years. By doing that it keeps its novelty value, yet remains the start up event for Super Rugby. As for the talk concerning a 'State of Origin' during the June Test Window, as a point of difference with the league version, why don't they add an 'Island team to the mix, just saying.
Colvin Brown
Guest
Surprisingly, IMO the rugby is better than 7's. Enjoying it on TV. Looks to have a good future. Well done.
AndyS
Guest
Hadn't really thought about it before, but why Suncorp...surely Ballymore would have been a better location? Watched a fair bit of it though and really enjoyed it. Unlike Sevens it is 15s sped up, and nice to see different teams playing different tactics. Really wish it was this that they had taken to the Olympics rather than glorified touch.
In Brief
Guest
Hahahahaha... I just knew you were the one and only person who could have commented on this story at midnight. You maybe laughing at Pulver, but you've given me a real belly laugh tonight, thank you, D!