10s delivers a powerful mix of skill, structure, and speed
At Rugby Tens (R10) we often get asked, why 10s?

While the 15s and 7s formats are more well-known and supported, the 10s format offers the best of both worlds not just for the fans, but for players and coaches.

We spoke to Ryno Combrinck, Rugby Tens’ Director of Coaches Advancement in South Africa, Anna-Lena Swartz, General Manager and Head Coach of the Balkans Honey Badgers and Dick Muir, former Springbok coach and current Cape Town Wild Dogs Head Coach, to unpack why the 10s format lies at the heart of how we engage with rugby — on and off the field.

10s rugby delivers a powerful mix of skill, structure, and speed — making it an ideal format for player development, spectator enjoyment, and global growth of the game.

It’s rugby at its most dynamic — smart, fast, inclusive, and exciting.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND SKILLS
How does the 10s format help players develop both individual skills and team dynamics compared to 7s and 15s?

Anna-Lena: 10s is the best combination to play the game, you get the best out of 7s and best out of 15s combined. Speed, endurance and adaptability. It is a great place for a skilled player to create and find space.

Dick: The 10s game blends the open space, tempo, and skill demands of 7s with the structure and positional play of 15s. Players must make quick decisions under pressure, exploit space, manage fatigue, and maintain technical execution at speed — all while operating in smaller units for set pieces and defensive organisation.

This balance accelerates development, sharpening handling, vision, support play, decision-making, and positional awareness.

How does 10s compare with the 7s open play and 15s structured phases?

Ryno: 10s allows players to experience both free flowing attack and structured set phases. It’s fast enough to test decision-making and skill execution, yet controlled enough to build tactical understanding.

With fewer players, there’s greater ball involvement and more learning moments per match. For women’s rugby in particular, 10s encourages confidence, skill growth, law awareness, and set piece proficiency – all within a supportive, less intimidating environment.

GAME STRUCTURE AND STRATEGY
What tactical opportunities does the 10s offer that are limited within the 7s or 15s format?

Dick: 10s allows for tactical kicking, multi-phase attacks, and more complex defensive systems than in 7s. The five-player scrum and reduced lineout variations create multiple attacking options and force greater defensive adaptability.

This variety promotes creative coaching and dynamic gameplay — making for rugby that’s exciting, unpredictable, and engaging for spectators.

How does the pace and physical demand of 10s compare to the other formats?

Anna-Lena: 10s is faster than 15s but more controlled than 7s. It demands repeated high-intensity efforts, balanced with short recovery periods — testing both aerobic endurance and power output, while maintaining high levels of skill execution throughout.

What are some advantages of extra space on the field in 10s vs 15s?

Ryno: With fewer defenders, creative players have greater opportunity to manipulate space, vary running angles, and take calculated risks — rewarding vision, timing, and technical execution.

TEAM COMPOSITION AND ROLES
How does the 10-player set-up influence team roles and responsibilities?

Dick: Each player covers more ground and contributes across multiple phases of play. Forwards become mobile ball-carriers and defenders, while backs engage more actively in contact and support play. The traditional positional lines blur — everyone contributes to attack, defence, transition, and decision-making.

Is there more versatility required in 10s vs 15s and 7s?

Ryno: Absolutely. Players must be multi-skilled — confident in handling, tackling, kicking, and decision-making across all phases. The format develops adaptable, tactically aware, and technically proficient athletes who can thrive in diverse playing conditions.

COST AND ACCESSIBILITY
Is the 10s format more cost-effective for countries, provincial teams, clubs and schools to organise and participate in?

Anna-Lena: Yes. With smaller squads, fewer players, and shorter matches, costs related to travel, accommodation, and staffing are reduced. Field usage and logistics are also simplified.

This makes 10s also an inclusive, affordable pathway for emerging rugby nations, developing clubs, and schools — enabling meaningful competition without the infrastructure demands of the 15s game.

EVENT AND ENTERTAINMENT VALUE
How does the shorter match time in 10s influence tournament planning and player fatigue?

Dick: Shorter matches allow for multiple fixtures in a single day, creating variety and competitive exposure. Recovery remains crucial, but overall fatigue is lower than in 15s due to reduced contact time per game.

Is 10s more suitable for full-day entertainment events than 15s?

Ryno: Absolutely. The fast pace, shorter matches, and compact squads make 10s ideal for festivals, elite tournaments, and community rugby events.

Do you think 10s offers a more spectator-friendly experience than 15s or 7s?

Anna-Lena: Most definitely. 10s merges the structure familiar to 15s fans with the speed, player involvement, and energy of 7s. The result is dynamic, high-scoring rugby that’s easy to follow and thrilling to watch. Every match is packed with energy, excitement, and momentum — keeping fans engaged from the first whistle to the last.