An action-packed weekend of top-flight rugby is on offer when the curtain goes up on the Cambod-ian Rugby Federation’s blue-riband event, the International ANZ Royal Angkor 10s, at the Northbridge community field on November 4 and 5.

The build-up to the Kingdom’s most prestigious rugby show this year has eclipsed all previous edit-ions, with player turnout expected to reach a record 300.

In keeping with tradition, the first day of the two-day tournament is set aside for the Old Boys’ reunion, when over-35s compete among themselves and later in the evening relive the old days at a celebratory dinner.

Australia’s Box Hill Unquench-ables join Cambodian expats Tots RFC and the Indochine Barbarians, a combined team from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, in this year’s 15-a-side event.

The day-long ANZ Royal Angkor 10s, on November 5, has attracted a field of 11 teams that include four home-grown outfits, two teams each from Singapore and Vietnam and a team each from Southeast Asia, Dubai and Thailand.

The confirmed overseas participants are Rhinos (Southeast Asia), Southerners (Thailand), Saigon Geckos (Vietnam), Hanoi Dragons (Vietnam), Bedok Kings (Singapore), INSEAD (Singapore), and C/S Larrikins (Dubai). The four Cambodia-based teams taking part are Les Piliers d’Angkor, PSE Garudas, Stade Khmer and Sisowath Knights.

The CFR is also introducing its inaugural women’s 10s competition with two local sides, PSE Blue Tigers and Lycee des Cartes, fighting for laurels.

“This year we have once again teamed up with ANZ Royal Bank to create two great days of rugby and social events. We are also working with Kidzcool to bring some family and fun games to the event,” tournament director James Sterling said in a press release.

“There will be free jumping castles and face painting at the ground along with other fun-filled games. The idea is to create a festive atmosphere,” he said. “The entry is free.

“We want more and more people to come and watch.”