The Emirates News Agency reported that China will host the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series on August 29 and 30. The two-day tournament forms part of an annual circuit that crowns regional champions in the abbreviated format of the sport. Organisers expect the event to draw competitive squads from across Asia although the specific venue inside the country has not yet been detailed. Further logistical information including match schedules will emerge in coming weeks from the governing body.
Asia Rugby has expanded the 2026 edition of the series to feature 12 national teams in both the men’s and women’s divisions, up from eight teams in earlier years, according to the organisation’s official website. This increase seeks to widen participation and elevate the standard of play throughout the continent. Previous legs have taken place in locations such as Incheon, Bangkok and Dubai with varying hosts each season. The decision to stage a leg in China aligns with efforts to grow the sport in one of Asia’s largest markets.
The competition first launched in 2009 when Japan secured the overall title after winning the Borneo Sevens and placing second in Shanghai, Asia Rugby historical records show. In subsequent seasons the Philippines claimed two championships while the United Arab Emirates also lifted the trophy twice, tournament archives indicate. Hong Kong and China have recorded strong showings in recent editions including the 2022 first leg, Asia Rugby results state. Such events additionally provide pathways toward qualification for global competitions including World Rugby tournaments.
Rugby sevens has expanded steadily across Asia with the format featuring in the Asian Games and other multi-sport events, World Rugby figures confirm. China’s teams have demonstrated progress in recent challenger competitions with the women’s side securing titles that advanced them toward higher-level play, a 2024 World Rugby assessment found. Hosting the Emirates Sevens Series offers the Chinese squads an opportunity to compete in front of domestic supporters while boosting local development programmes. The Emirates sponsorship of the series has provided consistent backing since its early years.
Asia Rugby rotates hosting duties among member unions to promote balanced growth of the sport, previous organisational statements show. The August tournament in China will include pool play followed by knockout stages to determine leg winners and series points. Participating nations are expected to encompass established sides as well as emerging programmes now included in the expanded format. Additional information on ticket sales and broadcast arrangements is anticipated from the local organising committee in advance of the event.
