Combine rugby, water, a floating pontoon and yachts ... and you have Aqua Rugby.
The Sporting News takes you through the key details of this one-of-a-kind event.
Where and when is Aqua Rugby?
Manly Cove is the venue for Aqua Rugby in 2022.
Located between Manly Wharf and the Manly Pavilion, the picturesque beach will host the 30x30 metre pontoon pitch, with food, music and activations to fill the shoreline.
The event is being held over three days, between Thursday 10th - Saturday 12th November.
A Captain's Run on Thursday will kick off the event, before three days of action follows.
What are Aqua Rugby's rules?
Whilst the general concept of rugby applies, there are a number of important differences with Aqua Rugby.
Each team is made of up five players (plus two reserves) and matches are played over two five-minute halves.
The floating pitch is a 30-metre square, with each try-zone (or X Zone) taking up eight metres.
When it comes to scoring tries, players are simply required to jump off the pontoon, meaning they can dive for a try, similar to the NFL.
Tries are worth seven points when the attack has begun from inside the team’s X Zone, otherwise, a try is worth five points.
Dropkick conversions are then taken from behind the X Zone, with successful kicks worth two points.
After a try is conceded by a team, they re-start the game from their X Zone line.
In Aqua Rugby, it is also worth noting that there is no kicking in general play, no scrums and no lineouts.
A full breakdown of the rules can be found here.
Which teams are competing at Aqua Rugby?
15 teams have been announced to compete in the main draw at Aqua Rugby for 2022, with two exhibition teams (the Australian Navy and Army) also set to feature.
| Aqua Rugby Barbarians | Gordon Rugby Teams |
| Mosman Rugby | Northern Suburbs Rugby Teams |
| Aqua Rugby Country Team | Warringah Rugby Teams |
| Sydney Convicts | Manly Rugby Teams |
| Lloyd McDermott Rugby Teams | Randwick Rugby Teams |
| Pig Athletic Club | Sydney University |
| Rugby WA | Manly Savers |
| Eastern Suburbs | Australian Army (Exhibition) |
| Australian Navy (Exhibition) | - |
How to buy tickets and get on a yacht
Fans will be able to enjoy Aqua Rugby for free, with the Manly shoreline set to be packed with food trucks and markets.
But for those looking to get closer to the action, Aqua Rugby have a fleet of yachts available, with boat parties to surround the event.
Described as the 'Monaco Grand Prix meeting the action of the Hong Kong Sevens', availability is expected to be limited.
You can book your spot on a yacht here.
Who's Ma'a Nonu?
Ma'a Nonu is the headline ambassador for this year's Aqua Rugby Festival.
An All Blacks legend, Nonu made 103 appearances for New Zealand between 2003-2015, typically playing as a centre or winger.
The Wellington-born player also enjoyed a strong club career, spending 13 seasons at the Hurricanes and notching 240 points.
Despite retiring from international rugby in 2015, Nonu has continued his club career, currently playing for the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby.
The 40-year-old will be joined by Wallaroos lock Sera Naiqama and former Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell as Aqua Rugby Festival ambassadors for 2022.
