The Rugby Tens Championship (R10C) is heading back to the USA this November with the annual battle for the Franchise Trophy taking place for the first time at the Great Park Stadium in Orange Country in Southern California.
Scheduled for November 22, 26, and 29, this three-day tournament will feature Olympians, World Cup stars, and rising talent from across the world in an unique franchise competition featuring men, women, boys and girls.
What truly sets R10C apart is its groundbreaking Mixed Play format. Launched in 2023, this format is unique to rugby – and sport in general – men, women, boys and girls compete together in the same franchise in the same match, for the single Franchise Trophy. “No other team sport in the world offers this,” says Andreea Trufasu, CEO of Rugby Tens. “At the moment, it’s a unique division across all team sports in the world, and we are confident that this celebration of equality and unity will be the norm in the near future.”
This year also marks the debut of the Rugby Tens Festival at the Great Park Stadium – a vibrant celebration of the sport featuring social divisions like men’s, women’s, college, classics and even flag rugby for the kids. It’s a full-blown rugby celebration designed to showcase the sport’s diversity and inclusivity.
“We’re not just hosting a tournament, we are bringing innovation to rugby,” adds Trufasu. “From elite athletes to grassroots players, R10C is an event for everyone. We’re proud to host this electrifying rugby showcase in Orange County.”
Over 400 players and coaches from over 30 rugby-playing countries including South Africa, New Zealand, USA, Ireland, Australia, France, Kenya and England will be in action. Rugby fans can expect world-class rugby across all four divisions of the Championship, including men, women, boys and girls as well as the thrilling and one-of-a-kind Franchise Champion Mixed-Play final.