Welsh rugby powerhouse Cardiff Blues are the latest side to put their name down for the inaugural World Club 10s tournament in Singapore this June.

With a squad featuring Wales internationals such as Gethin Jenkins, the most-capped Welsh player of all time, Alex Cuthbert and Sam Warburton, who led the British Lions to a historic series victory over Australia last summer, the Blues are viewed as perennial contenders in the Heineken Cup, rugby's equivalent of the Uefa Champions League in football.

Cardiff coach Paul John said: "It's a wonderful opportunity for the Blues to begin preparations for the new season against some of the greatest teams and players in rugby.

"We will take a strong squad to Singapore. We hope many fans will join us and Welsh supporters across Asia will back the Blues."

The World Club 10s will be the first event to be held at the new 55,000-seater National Stadium in Kallang. Australia's Super Rugby franchise Brumbies, five-time French champions Biarritz Olympique and the Asia Pacific Dragons, an invitational outfit, have confirmed their participation at the eight-club, June 21-22 showpiece.

Cardiff compete in the Pro12 league, comprising teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy. Their trophy cabinet is well-stocked from wins in regional competitions such as the Challenge Cup in 2009-2010 and the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2008-2009.

Cardiff's Challenge Cup triumph marked the first time a Welsh team had won a European trophy.

Jon Phelps, managing director of Carinat Sports Marketing, the promoter for the World Club 10s, said: "Having northern and southern hemisphere clubs compete directly against each other in Singapore is a 'first' for rugby fans in Asia.

"We have more very exciting team announcements to come in the next couple of weeks, as the tournament is shaping up to be a truly historic occasion not to be missed."