Bermuda has been selected as the host destination for the inaugural World Tens Series, kicking off two weeks of international rugby action.

The first round of matches are scheduled October 24 and 25, followed by the second of games, taking place from October 31 and November 1. The final will be played at the National Sports Centre on November 7.

The ten-a-side World Tens Series comprises eight privately-owned teams from around the globe, featuring world-class players.

The format offers opportunities for players from both the XV and seven-a-side codes of rugby to play a new form of the sport combining the tactics of rugby 15s with the skills of 7s.

The series will be played as a closed event with a high-quality broadcast production and global distribution set to be shown around the world. The series has been developed with the objective of becoming the “Indian Premier League” of rugby.

Bermuda’s robust testing programmes and Covid-19 protocols have ensured the island is now one of the safest places in the world, rated level two by the United States Centres for Disease Control (CDC), along with only four other destinations.

The series will make sure all protocols and testing steps are taken to ensure a safe transition into a Bermuda “bubble” with all participants will adhering to the island’s testing policies, including temperature checks and screening procedures daily.

“The World Tens Series is delighted to announce Bermuda as the host destination for this inaugural World Tens Series in 2020,” said Paul Holmes, COO, World Tens Series. “We are working closely with the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the Bermuda Government to receive all proper approvals to ensure the event aligns with the government’s guidelines.

“All of our players and team management will be tested prior to their arrival, and with cases in Bermuda in the single digits, we know players will have less chance of contracting the virus once they are on the island.

“This makes Bermuda the ideal location for us to launch and showcase this exciting format for fans to watch.”

The World Tens Series will step up a gear in 2021 with expansion to 16 teams playing at 12 locations throughout the world.

Each location will host the tournament for one week, with the season set to run for four months, ensuring players perform to the best of their abilities and fans always have plenty of rugby entertainment to look forward to.