RUGBY NEWS
Karma Bali 10’s 2017
It is that time of year again, the Bali 10’s are on again, on the weekend of October 14 and 15. One of Bali’s oldest non government sports events, now in its 23rd year, the Bali 10’s, now known as Karma Bali 10’s following the announcement of Karma Resorts sponsorship of Bali Rugby Club in August this year, is growing year to year.
Started in 1995 by a group of expats from Jakarta, after the first 10 years, the Bali 10’s was from 2005 to 2008 run by the IRFU (Indonesian Rugby Football Union, fore runner of today’s PRUI) under Steve Barber, in 2009 the then Bali Rugby Club President Rodney Holt took the helm of the event introducing the women’s division. In the more recent years under the guidance of Kurt Lovell, the Bali 10’s has grown into one of Asia largest if not the largest rugby 10’s events in Asia.
This year is no different with forty teams entered .The big story is the twelve teams in the women’s division the largest field to date reflecting both the popularity the event and the growth of women’s rugby 7’s in the region. From Australia we have the Kalamunda Kweens, Nedlands and East Arnhem, the Cebu Ladies from Philippines, from Singapore the Bucks, the SOWRC Angels, PSD Warriors and FRC Dingoes from Malaysia and rounding it off the Papua Womens, Banteng and Bali’s own Chillettes from Indonesia.
In the Vets division, the legendary Potbellies from Dubai, from Australia we have the Jez Nez, Wests Old Boars and the Palmyra Pigs, from Singapore the Bucks and SCC, and finally from Indonesia, legends from yesteryear the Sumbawa Nagas and Jakarta Dino’s. The Jakarta Dino’s includes a number of luminaries from Indonesian rugby history, trying to relive their glory days.
In the men’s division, from Australia we have the Kalamunda Bulls,Perth Bayswater, Swampdogs, Aubigny Barbarians,MahiMahi Allstars, Kimono Dragons, Waverly and Layaway Travel, whereas from the land of the long white cloud, New Zealand a couple of teams, Kapiti and Napier Old Boys.From Brunei, the mainly British Bali 10 regulars the Flying Kukris,closer to home from Timor Leste we have the Dili Karau and from Indonesia, Jakarta Komodo’s, Papua. The Bali Rugby Club is defending local honour with two teams the Bali Chillies and the Chillies Development, reflecting the growth and development of Rugby on the island. Of special interest is the return of Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) ,who have been absent from the Bali 10’s since the 2002 Bombings.
SCC was one of the four clubs together with Taipei Baboons, ISCI and Hong Kong Football Club that lost players and supporters in the tragic events 15 years ago. SCC has entered both a vets and mens teams.The Bali Rugby Club thanks the Karma Resorts for their event wide support. Spectators are welcome to the Yoga Perkanthi football field in Jimbaran from 9am on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th October where entrance is free and there is covered seating in the grandstand. You’ll be able to enjoy a cold Heinken beer, a steak burger from MooMoo’s Restaurant, pick up some merchandise from SPEAR Sportswear and buy a rugby ball from Gilbert. All are welcome.