Warburton adds touch of class to 10s field

Warburton adds touch of class to 10s field

One of the most exciting flankers in world rugby is set to roll at the new National Stadium in June.

Welsh sensation Sam Warburton and his Cardiff Blues side yesterday became the latest side to put their name down for the inaugural World Club 10s tournament.

Cardiff coach Paul John said: "It's a wonderful opportunity for the Blues to begin preparations for the new season against some of the greatest teams and players in rugby.

"We will take a strong squad to Singapore.

"We hope many fans will join us and Welsh supporters across Asia will back the Blues."

Besides silky 25-year-old Warburton, who captained the British Lions to a historic series victory over Australia last summer, the squad also boasts Wales internationals such as Alex Cuthbert and Gethin Jenkins, the most-capped Welsh player of all time (105).

The Blues are viewed as perennial contenders in the Heineken Cup, rugby's equivalent of the Uefa Champions League.

Their 2009/2010 Challenge Cup triumph marked the first time a Welsh team had won a European trophy.

The World Club 10s will be the first event to be held at the new 55,000-seater stadium in the Kallang Sports Hub.

Australia's Super Rugby franchise Brumbies, five-time French champions Biarritz Olympique and the Asia Pacific Dragons, an invitational outfit, have confirmed their participation at the eight-club, June 21-22 showpiece.

Jon Phelps, managing director of tournament promoters Carinat Sports Marketing, said: "The tournament is shaping up to be a historic occasion that is not to be missed."

This article was published on April 22 in The Straits Times.

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