World rugby's biggest names will descend on Brisbane next year for a glitzy pre-season tournament organised by the company behind the NRL's successful Auckland Nines.
The two-day, 10-a-side tournament - known as the 'Brisbane Global 10s' - will be officially unveiled at press conferences in Brisbane and Auckland today.
It will be staged at Suncorp Stadium on February 11 and 12, and will run for the next four years promoters Duco Events secured strong government funding and support for the ambitious venture.
All Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby teams, plus the Bulls of South Africa, Japanese side Panasonic Wild Knights, the Samoan national team and French glamour club Toulon will participate.
All will be contractually obligated to bring their best players, with teams expected to use the tournament as part of their pre-season training schedules.
Former Queensland Reds flanker Liam Gill, who has joined Toulon, said he's looking forward to showing his new French teammates around his old stomping ground.
"We'll get the biggest clubs and the biggest players in the world here, so all eyes will be on Brisbane not just for the weekend but also for a week of training in the build-up," Gill said.
"I can't wait to be part of the spectacle.
"The modern game of tens is almost a hybrid with the speed of 7s mixed with the structure of 15s."If you love your fast-paced rugby or your structured breakdown orientated rugby it's the perfect hybrid."
- AAP