Following a hugely popular debut in 2017, the event switches to a day-night format, with matches to begin in the afternoon and run into the evenings.

Quarterfinalists in 2017, the Highlanders will be among the title favourites again in 2018.

“Brisbane Tens was a unique experience; tens is an enjoyable format from a player’s perspective. The Brisbane summer was a challenge for us players’ from the deep south in NZ so hopefully the day/night change will make things a little bit easier,” Highlander Luke Whitelock said.

 “The 2017 Brisbane Global Rugby Tens was a great event and the fast-paced nature of the games enabled us to start the season with a bang,” Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark said.

“The 2018 event promises to be even bigger and better. I’d encourage our fans to take advantage of the direct flights out of Dunedin and get over to Brisbane to experience what is going to be a fantastic weekend of rugby.”

The 2018 tournament is set to feature some incredible new talent, with French powerhouse club Pau – the current home of former All Blacks Conrad Smith, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor – set to make their debut alongside fellow newcomers Fiji.

“Pau have already confirmed that Conrad Smith will be in their line-up and they’ll be bringing a side stacked full of international talent,” tournament chief executive Rachael Carroll said.

“And we’re also delighted to have Fiji taking part. There was a very strong Fijian presence across the 14 teams last year so it’s fitting that Fiji will now join Samoa, Pau and Japan’s Panasonic Wild Knights at the tournament.

“We’ve got an incredible amount of top class rugby talent lining up to take part - and with the move to a day-night format - Brisbane will be in full party mode. The 2018 Brisbane Global Rugby Tens will be an unmissable event.”

Corporate packages can be booked via www.brisbaneglobaltens.com

General admission tickets are on sale from Friday at ticketek.co.nz/brisbanetens

Check out highlights from the 2017 Brisbane Tens below!

 END