· The town of Ibiza to host the very first 10s rugby tournament in June 2013
· Tournament to take place at Estadio Municipal Can Misses
· 8 teams, including one comprised of ex professional/international players
· More than 5,000 spectators expected as tournament aims to boost rugby in the Iberian Peninsula
England 7’s and London Wasps star winger, Tom Varndell has today backed a new initiative to drive rugby in the Iberian Peninsula with the inaugural Ibiza Rugby 10s which kicks off in June 2013. The one-day invitational tournament will be the first rugby event of its kind on the island
Varndell said, “I’m delighted to support this exciting new rugby 10’s tournament in the idyllic setting of Ibiza and really looking forward to joining the players and spectators for a fantastic day of sunshine rugby”
Spanish international and former Northampton Saints winger, Oriol Ripol is also supporting the tournament, he said “I’m very excited to be part of the Ibiza 10’s this summer. It will be a great way to introduce this beautiful sport and its great values to everyone from kids to grown ups. I welcome you to join me and enjoy a great family orientated and fun tournament.
The tournament will host eight teams including one made up of former Premiership and International players who will take part alongside Ibiza Rugby club and six other teams.
The one-day tournament will be played at the Estadio Municipal Can Misses, a site normally home to the two football teams of Ibiza Town, based a short distance from the historic Ibiza Town and, set against the backdrop of breath taking Balearic scenery and UNESCO World Heritage site Ibiza Port. Two pools of four teams will take part in a full day of rugby with three play-off stages in front of an expected crowd of 5000 spectators.
The tournament, delivered by RugbySpy; a London based sport event development company, has received the backing of the City of Ibiza Town’s Mayor and Sport and Recreation Department eager to elevate rugby’s profile on the back of the Spanish national team’s Sevens World Series qualification last season.
The day will begin with a community rugby coaching session for children including coaching from an experienced UK coach and the professional players in attendance on the day. For the adult rugby fans, there will be a chance to enjoy breakfast whilst watching the British and Irish Lions game in the company of some rugby experts and hear their thoughts on the game and the teams chances against the Wallabies . There will be plenty of opportunities throughout the weekend for the crowds to interact with the players and collect autographs and playing tips. The Island’s businesses have got behind this initiative and are offering discounts and special events for the rugby crowds which will add the to the fiesta atmosphere.
