By Cara Kemp

Cowra Rugby Tens is back on March 1, 2025, at Cowra Rugby Club.

With 17 teams set to compete, including 12 men’s and five women’s sides, the tournament will once again serve as the perfect transition from summer to winter sport.

Rugby 10s organiser Adam Mieklejohn is excited for another big year, with a mix of returning teams and fresh faces.

“We have 17 teams coming in this year, 12 men’s and five women’s,” he said.

“There’s a nice spread of invitational teams and teams from Sydney and the Central West.”

“Hopefully, the weather will be nice and cool, and with the fields looking magic after that rain event, we should see some really good running rugby,” he said.

Among the newcomers are Iggy’s from Lane Cove and the reformed Woodstock Wallys, who return after a six or seven-year break.

“They were defending champs five or six years ago, so it’s great to have them back,” Mieklejohn said.

“The J Balls are also making a return after a few years away and they’ve won in the past as well.”

On the women’s side, teams from Cowra, Bathurst, Orange City, and Australian Deaf Rugby will compete, along with an invitational side called ‘The Good, Bad, and the Awesome,’ brought in by a former Cowra player.

“I don’t know what to expect there,” Mieklejohn said.

The tournament is more than just a chance to play rugby.

It’s a key social event, bringing teams together from different regions.

“Tens is a good tournament to blow out the cobwebs, get back into thinking about rugby, and kick off the season,” Mieklejohn said.

“Some teams have trained a bit and will be looking sharp, while others are here to enjoy the social side.”

“A few teams are even bringing buses and staying the night, so there’ll be a good Cowra atmosphere.”

The format sees every team play three pool games before heading into knockout quarterfinals.

“The quarterfinal matchups are always exciting because teams are pretty evenly matched based on rankings,” Mieklejohn said.

With preparations well underway, organisers are finalising fields, tents, trophies, and sponsors.

Volunteers are still wanted, particularly for the canteen and bar.

“It’s always a good day to help out.”

“You meet some interesting characters, and it can be quite rewarding,” Mieklejohn said.

One of the standout features of the event is the creative jerseys designed by each team.

“Some of the team jerseys are quite out there,” Mieklejohn said.

“You have no chance of picking who they are based on the colours and designs.”

“It’s definitely something to keep an eye out for.”