The World Club 10s rugby event got a boost of star power on Thursday when the Blues from New Zealand and the Samoa national team confirmed their participation at the Singapore showpiece.

Super rugby outfit Blues, who are based in Auckland, boast a stellar squad of All-Blacks including flanker Jerome Kaino, hooker Keven Mealamu and centre Ma'a Nonu.

Blues chief executive Michael Redman said: "We hope this tournament will develop into an important annual event that will strengthen our overall programme. It is an opportunity for Blues players to experience competition on another international stage along with other Super Rugby and leading world clubs."

Australian powerhouse Brumbies, France's Biarritz Olympique, Welsh giants Cardiff Blues and the Asia Pacific Dragons invitational team are also slated to feature at the June 21-22 event - the first to be held at the new National Stadium in Kallang.

The remaining two sides at the eight-team tournament are expected to be named during the first week of June.