Second Live Town Hall with Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai
Open Dialogue Continues as Region’s Rugby Chief Doubles Down on Transparency and Vision
Asia Rugby is once again opening its digital doors to the rugby community across the continent and beyond, as President Qais Al Dhalai returns for a second Asia Rugby Live Town Hall, scheduled for Tuesday, 15 April at 10:00 AM UAE time, to be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.
Following the success of the first live session held on 27 December 2024, where Al Dhalai outlined a transformative vision for the future of rugby in Asia, this follow-up promises to be equally impactful. The President will once again field questions directly from the public – unfiltered and in real-time – continuing his unique brand of leadership rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.
From Ambition to Action
The region, home to 36 member unions and the world’s most culturally and geographically diverse rugby landscape faces no shortage of challenges – from logistical hurdles to limited resources – but the President remains undeterred.
An example of his ambition? To see all 36 unions competing in international rugby within a single calendar year – a historic milestone yet to be achieved. “This isn’t just about participation,” he remarked in the previous podcast, “It’s about meaningful inclusion and a fair shot for every union, no matter how big or small.”
Big Ideas, Global Reach
Al Dhalai also shared details of a proposed cross-continental 15s tournament involving teams from Asia, Africa, South America and Europe, with a pilot edition targeted for November 2025. Designed to provide consistent international exposure to second-tier nations, the initiative has already garnered support from leaders across the participating continents.
Meanwhile, plans to launch the Asia Rugby Grand League, a franchise-based 15s competition modelled on successful formats in South America and Europe, are on pause due to funding constraints. Discussions with World Rugby and potential commercial partners are ongoing, with hopes to kick off the league in 2026.
Leadership Beyond the Podium
President Qais’s approach to leadership has been anything but conventional. He operates with an “open-door” ethos—maintaining a WhatsApp group with all 36 member unions, and making himself accessible not only to administrators but to match officials, players, media personnel and even fans.
The upcoming live session is yet another extension of that philosophy. It’s not a press conference or a scripted interview. It’s a town hall in the truest sense – open to media fans, critics and stakeholders alike.
Join the Conversation
Whether you’re a player, fan, journalist, coach, referee or simply a supporter of rugby’s growth in Asia, this is your chance to engage directly with the President of Asia Rugby.
📅 Date: Tuesday, 15 April 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM UAE Time
📺 Where: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvHoq0Ti208 and FB Live
