We have seen Tens rugby in Cape Town, Joburg and PE, and now tournament organiser Robert du Preez is bringing the inaugural East Coast Tens to Durban this weekend.
Speaking to SA Rugby magazine, Du Preez had the following to say on the tournament:
“Club rugby used to be a highlight over the Easter weekend in Durban. That is no longer the case, so we wanted to run a tournament that would bring communities and families together. We couldn’t organise a club tournament because it would clash with the Community Cup, so we decided to establish the East Coast Tens. It’s a great social platform and provides an exciting brand of rugby. We’ve seen how well the Cape Town Tens is doing under Bob Skinstad and Robbie Fleck, and we are hoping for similar success. We’re expecting over 35 teams across five divisions to take part.”
Asked if it will different to the Cape Town Tens, Du Preez said:
“I think the Cape Town Tens is more of a boys’ weekend. The East Coast Tens will see players and their families join the party. That should create the kind of festival we’re looking for, especially considering that Easter weekend is family time. Durban isn’t far away from Johannesburg and Pretoria either, so teams from up north can also enter.”
Game are on board as the title sponsor and will provide a 180 square meter retail marquee, while Castle, Red Bull and YesMan will be giving the players some extra shade in their chill areas.
There is also a spicy “Wheel barrow beer special” that will have Tank salivating, and a number of Beer Pong tables set up for some off the field competitive action. MG have sponsored a new MG6 as a prize for the person who can punt kick a rugby ball from 40m into a bin.
The Wonder Market will see more than 40 fashion, craft and food traders available to fans, while Durban’s finest musos Rowan Stuart, Zaffa and No Fly Zone will make for an awesome party by night.
The short guys will be accommodated in a Kidzone, where for R50, they get not only lunch, but also entertained all day with jumping castles, water slides, sand art, face painting, sharkie, and gladiators.
