The 10s Game: Speed Meets Power

In 10s (Ten-a-side), the field remains full-sized, but with only 10 players per team, the game opens up significantly. You’ll see more long-range tries and creative playmaking.

Key Rule Variations

• The Squad: 10 players on the pitch at a time. Usually split into 5 forwards and 5 backs.
• The Scrum: 5 players per team (3 in the front row, 2 in the second). Unlike 15s, there are no "flankers" or "number 8s" in the scrum, making for a faster strike and exit.
• Scoring & Restarts: After a try is scored, the scoring team kicks off to the opposition (similar to 7s), keeping the pressure on and the action continuous.
• Conversions: All conversion attempts must be drop kicks (no tees) and must be taken within 40 seconds of the try.
• Discipline: A Yellow Card results in a 2-minute temporary suspension—a massive disadvantage in a game with so much open space.

Match Duration

To ensure teams can play multiple matches in a single day without total exhaustion, the timing is condensed:

• Standard Matches: Two 10-minute halves with a 2-minute halftime interval.
• Finals: Depending on the schedule, the Championship matches may be extended to 12 or 15-minute halves.
• Rolling Subs: To honor Corky’s inclusive spirit and keep the pace high, we will utilize rolling substitutions. This allows players to rotate frequently, keeping fresh legs on the field.

Tournament Structure: The Road to the Cup

The tournament is designed to maximize "game time" for all traveling teams, ensuring everyone gets a full day of rugby.

Phase 1: Round Robin (Pool Play)

• Teams will be divided into pools (e.g., Pool A, Pool B).
• Every team plays every other team in their pool once.
• Points System: * 4 points for a win.
• 2 points for a draw.
• 1 bonus point for scoring 4+ tries or losing by 7 points or less.

Phase 2: The Knockout Stage

Once pool play concludes, teams are seeded into the knockout bracket based on their total points.

• The Cup: The top teams from each pool advance to the Semi-Finals and the Championship match.
• The Plate/Bowl: Depending on the number of entries, secondary brackets ensure that teams who didn't top their pool still get a "knockout" experience against similarly ranked opponents.

Tie-Breakers (Knockout Only)

If a match is tied at the end of regulation in the knockout stage:

1. Sudden Death: A 5-minute extra time period. The first team to score any points wins immediately.
2. Drop-Kick Shootout: If still tied, 3 players from each team take drop-kicks from the 22-meter line.

Why 10s for Corky?

Corky loved the "total rugby" concept—where forwards had to run like backs and backs had to hit like forwards. The 10s format demands that versatility and grit, making it the perfect way to honor his legacy.

Ready to lace up? Ensure your roster is balanced; you’ll need the fitness to cover the ground and the strength to hold the set piece!