The Brisbane Global Tens rugby tournament will not be held in '19. GETTY IMAGES
The Brisbane Global Tens rugby tournament is "expected to take a hiatus next year" and, beyond that, where the tournament will be staged "remains uncertain," according to Liam Napier of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. After "disappointing attendances" across the two-day event this year, organizers and investors have "all but agreed" the Tens will not take place in '19. A formal announcement is expected near the end of this month. The Rugby World Cup was a "major factor in this decision." Access to the All Blacks and Wallabies "proved problematic" in the existing early February, preseason window. With national coaches "even more protective" with the Webb Ellis Cup on the horizon, Duco Events, in consultation with all parties, will "opt to give the Tens a one-year break." Duco adopted a similar approach with the National Rugby League Auckland Nines, canceling that tournament this year "due to complications with player access after the Rugby League World Cup." Support for the tournament in Brisbane has "undoubtedly been hurt by the fallout from Super Rugby's messy restructure which saw the Western Force axed" (NZ HERALD, 5/3).
