Former Springbok stars Skinstad and Fleck have launched a ground-breaking Rugby Tens tournament that is set to take place in the Mother City in February 2009.

Skinstad, a World Cup winner last year, and Fleck, a former Bok vice-captain, have made an impact in the 15-man and 7-man codes in this country, but few South African rugby fans know that both have played the 10-man abroad.

The aptly-named Cape Town Tens - a two-day festival of rugby, will take place at South Africa's oldest rugby club, Hamilton, on February 7-8, 2009.

"Cape Town has always been seen as the most cosmopolitan city in the country, so it made sense in every aspect to make the Mother City the home of Tens rugby in Africa."

Fleck, who made his Tens debut in Bangkok in February of this year, added: "I've played just one Tens tournament, but already I'm a convert. It caters for all shapes and sizes, whilst we think Cape Town is the ultimate venue, with the perfect attractions and people here, who will help make the tournament a massive success both on and off the field."

Can't neglect the scrums

However, Skinstad and Fleck will not be going at it alone, with the duo joining forces with Tournament Director Ron Rutland, himself a veteran of a few Tens tournaments as a player, but, more recently, as one of the organisers of the very successful Bangkok Tens.

Rutland, who played alongside Fleck and Skinstad in the 2008 Bangkok Tens, explained the rationale behind playing this 10-a-side version of the game.

"With no loose forwards on the pitch it opens things up a bit more and lets the backs have a go," said Rutland, "but, at the same, you can't neglect your scrums and line-outs and there's even a time and a place for a bit of rucking."

Fleck has already had contact with the likes of former All Blacks great Josh Kronfeld, whilst ex-Wallabies Pat Howard, Tim Horan and David Wilson have all expressed a keen interest to play, along with Samoan stars Zak Feaunati, George Harder and Mike Umaga.

"I have already spoken to some of my old teammates like Corne Krige) and Andre Vos to come and join in the fun - they have no excuse not to play," said Fleck. "At the same time, however, we would also like to target the likes of Christian Cullen, Gregor Townsend, Will Greenwood and Allan Bateman, all of whom would help make this a truly international event."

Skinstad, meanwhile, claims to have sounded out Toks van der Linde "just to get the props involved!" whilst former British stars Kenny Logan (Scotland) and Paul Wallace (Ireland) all want to be part of the inaugural Cape Town Tens.