Rugby World Cup legend Brian Lima will head a stellar line-up of talent at next week’s GFI HKFC Tens.

The Samoan star will be joined in the two-day tournament at Hong Kong Football Club by sevens aces Amasio Valence and Neumi Nanuku and Wallaby great Toutai Kefu.

Lima, 36, the only player to appear in five RWC tournaments, will play for the Hill & Associates Hong Kong Barbarians.

The 36-year-old centre is known throughout rugby as “The Chiropractor” for his bone-crunching tackles and rock-solid defence.

Widely regarded as the greatest Samoan player of all time, he made his international debut in 1990 and featured in his country’s famous RWC win over Wales in 1991.

He recently retired from international rugby appearing in his fifth successive RWC in France last year.

Lima is also an outstanding sevens player and featured in the Samoa team that won the Hong Kong Sevens in 1993.

“We’re really excited to have Brian in the team and many thanks must go to Jason Brockwell and Sports Performance who have sponsored the appearance of the ‘Sports Performance Chiropractor’,” said Barbarians manager John Bruce.

New Zealander Valence, third on the list of all-time points scorers in the IRB Sevens World Series, and Fiji sevens star Nanuku will both appear for the Penguins, who are second seeds at this year’s Tens.

Kefu, a member of Australia’s RWC-winning team in 1999, will return to the Tens with the Yorkshire Windows International Panthers.

Fortis New Zealand Metro, the two-time defending Tens champions and top seeds, have already announced that Tonga’s RWC captain, Nili Latu, will be in their line-up.

“The Tens has always attracted world class players and this year is no exception,” said tournament organising committee chairman Paul Smith.

“It is great news for rugby fans that so many great players will be appearing at Hong Kong Football Club next week and we’re looking forward to what is shaping up to be the best Tens yet.”

The Tens will take place on Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27 at Hong Kong Football Club in Sports Road, Happy Valley.

Sixteen teams from around the globe will be going for glory in the Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield.

Fans can gain admission by purchasing two-day tickets, costing HK$200 each, at Hong Kong Football Club during the tournament.

Group bookings can be made in advance by contacting Laxton Marketing Consultants on (852) 2866 3110.

Released on behalf of the GFI HKFC Tens 2008 by Two Up Front.

For further information, please contact:
Niall Donnelly
Two Up Front
Tel: +852 2854 2136
Mob: +852 6502 3330
Fax: +852 3579 5955
Email: niall@tuf.com.hk