Brisbane to host landmark rugby tens tournament

The best Rugby Union players in the world will be in Queensland next year for the first ever Brisbane Global Tens tournament.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones today announced fourteen teams would contest the Brisbane Global Tens competition at Suncorp Stadium in a two-day tournament in February.

Ms Jones said Queensland had secured a four-year deal to host the exclusive ten-a-side competition.

"Brisbane has an opportunity to grow a globally unique competition as a signature event for Queensland,” she said.

“The city will transform into rugby union central with engaging business events and community activities building the excitement in the lead up and bringing thousands of sports fans to Queensland.

“The Brisbane Global Tens includes every Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby franchise, plus four invitational teams from four different nations.

“This is a great event to grow Brisbane’s reputation as a premier sporting event capital.”

Duco Events Chief Executive Rachael Carroll said the Brisbane Global Tens would bring a significant major events boost to Brisbane.

“The support of Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has been instrumental in the creation of one of the great annual sporting events, not just in this state, but in this country,” Ms Carroll said.

“Brisbane is a wonderful, vibrant city, rich in culture and with a sporting pedigree second to none. Suncorp Stadium is without doubt the best venue in Australia – many would say the southern hemisphere – for an event of this nature. So it’s truly fitting that the Global Tens will be hosted here.

“The spotlight will be on Brisbane and Queensland next summer – and we are ready to shine.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the Brisbane Global Tens once again demonstrated Brisbane’s ability to secure and host world-class international sporting events.

“Our 2022 New World City Action Plan aims to deliver major drawcard events for Brisbane and this fantastic new tournament will be rugby heaven for local fans while attracting visitors from across the world,” he said.

“It will also join the Brisbane International and World Science Festival Brisbane in what will be a bumper start to 2017 for major events in our city.”

Alongside the ten Super Rugby teams from Australia and New Zealand, the tournament also includes invitational sides from South Africa, France, Japan and Samoa.

Teams to play in the 2017 Brisbane World Rugby Tens:

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