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The 2009 GFI HKFC Tens Tournament kicks off tomorrow and continues on Thursday at ‘Happy Valley’ right before the Hong Kong Sevens weekend. The Hong Kong Tens has established a reputation as the best Tens tournament in the world attracting excellent teams from around the globe, where some of the stars of tomorrow, as well as not so yesteryear, compete for the prestigious Cup competition.

This year 16 teams will play over a two-day period. The first day is organised in a Round Robin format involving all teams playing the opposing teams within their designated group.

The world famous Penguins have been named top seeds for the 2009 GFI HKFC Tens as they aim to win the trophy for the first time in their illustrious history.

The elite UK-based touring team –  Penguin International RFC – have been finalists at the popular tournament for the past two years and are determined to leave with the silverware this time.

“This will be our third visit to the Tens and after twice finishing as runners-up we’ll be aiming to go one better this time,” said manager Craig Brown.

“The competition will, as always, be tough, but we’re looking forward to playing some strong, attacking rugby in the Penguins tradition and hopefully this will be our year.”

Joining the Penguins in Pool A will be Hill & Associates Trox AITCS Hong Kong Barbarians, comprising many of the overseas professionals who play in the Hong Kong First Division, German newcomers the Wild Titans and the Wanchai Wanderers from Wales.

The Penguins will be aiming to end New Zealand’s eight-year winning streak at the Tens and will face strong opposition with Kiwi teams seeded two and three.

Perennial contenders Aliens are seeded No.2 and will be looking to add to their four victories, the last of which came in 2005. The Alternative Legends – sponsored by a group of 15 rugby fans from the hedge fund industry – are seeded No.3 and, like the Penguins, are aiming for a first victory.

Rugby World Cup winner Bobby Skinstad will lead a strong South African challenge at this year’s event.

The Springboks icon is part of a new team, Scatterlings of Africa, who will attempt to end New Zealand’s eight-year winning streak at the popular Hong Kong tournament.

“All the boys have played at a high level,” revealed team organiser and player Rorke Slater.

“We have guys who have represented their provinces and played Super 14, plus of course Bob, who captained the Springboks and has won a World Cup.

“We cannot wait to get to Hong Kong. Most of the guys haven’t been there before so we’re looking forward to seeing such a great city and hopefully playing some top rugby.”

Back rower Skinstad played 42 tests for South Africa, including 12 as captain, and was a member of the victorious Springboks squad at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Scatterlings will be favourites to top Pool D but will face a strong challenge from the Borneo Eagles, who impressed on their two previous visits to the tournament. Also in the pool are Cardiff University and the hosts, Hong Kong Football Club.

The chances of a new name appearing on the Tens trophy are strong this year as only Aliens among the top four seeds have previously won the tournament.

Germany has yet to become a force in world rugby, but with the help of the Wild Rugby Academy is trying to change that.
The institution was set up in Heidelberg 18 months ago to strengthen the country’s coaching and playing stocks with the aim of qualifying for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The game plan includes exposure to overseas competition and that is why a squad from the WRA – the Wild Titans – will this week become the first German team to compete in the Tens in Hong Kong.

“I’ve played and coached at the Tens before and it’s a wonderful event,” says the WRA’s Australian head coach, Murray Archibald.

“The quality of the rugby is super. Teams from the UK, Asia and New Zealand are regular visitors and the competition is regarded as the best ten-a-side tournament in the world.”

New Zealand Metro, winners for the past three years, are absent this time after being unable to secure a sponsor.

“Naturally, we’d like to be there among old friends at the best ten-a-side tournament in the world,” said Metro manager Barry Gallagher.

“Our best wishes go to the organisers and the 16 teams competing and we hope to be back at the Tens in 2010.”

Pool A: Penguins (1), Hill & Associates Trox AITCS Hong Kong Barbarians, Wild Titans, Wanchai Wanderers.
Pool B: Aliens (2), HKRFU Chairman’s X, French Pyrenees, China Agricultural University.
Pool C: Alternative Legends (3), Irish Vikings, Playmore Phantoms, Overseas Old Boys.
Pool D: Scatterlings of Africa (4), Borneo Eagles, Cardiff University, Hong Kong Football Club.