As the Ibiza Rugby Tens event fast approaches, Ibiza Spotlight is very grateful to the organiser, Abby Edwards of RugbySpy, for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about Rugby Tens and explain what the excitement is all about.
Rugby Tens is a variant of Rugby Union with teams made up of ten players, typically five forwards and five backs. The rules are similar to Rugby Sevens, but matches are much shorter, often of two ten-minute halves.
Also known as ten-a-side and Xs, Rugby Tens events worldwide are growing annually, and are already well established in Hong Kong, Cape Town, Bangkok, Ireland, Phuket, Stockholm, Arizona and Manila.
So, what is the motivation for adding Ibiza to this global list?
"Ibiza is one of the few places in the world that I could live and as soon as I touch down at the airport, I feel like I'm home. I'm also passionate about my rugby so selfishly I wanted to bring my favourite things together. Sporting chocolate sponge and custard so to speak!" Abby explains.
She is also keen to show that there is much more to Ibiza than just the clubs, pubs and party image often portrayed by the media, and also to reach out to the youngsters by arranging a children's "Come and Try" Day. They will be shown a few basic techniques and at the end of the day, they will be each given their own ball to take away. The parents of the children participating will be given the opportunity of making a small donation to Ibiza & Formentera Against Cancer.
Abby sees Rugby as being very much for families, and as such, any parents bringing their children to the Ibiza Rugby Tens event will be charged an entry fee of just €10 per head, with children under 14 getting in free.
Ibiza Rugby Tens takes place on 8th June at Can Misses Stadium. There will be eight international teams playing, with famous names such as Tom Varndell, Chester Williams, Chris Mayor and Spain's own Oriol Ripol and his brother, Roger, all getting involved.
There will be music and entertainment all day, along with games and prizes, stalls, food and even a miniature Las Dalias market.
Whilst Abby's focus is very much on creating a family event, RugbySpy have certainly not forgotten about everyone else. Anyone buying a ticket will get a 10% discount at all Mambo venues, 30% discount on Ibiza Rocks WAR, and totally free entry to Space on Saturday 8th June.
This exciting event is the first of its kind for Ibiza, and promises to be a spectacular day. To quote Abby:
"I want a mix of rugby fans, residents and holidaymakers to come down and see what the rugby party is all about ...they will not be disappointed!"
