New host cities, expanded teams, a groundbreaking Sevens season, Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Calendar 2025.
Asia Rugby is proud to announce the official launch of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Calendar 2025, set to unfold in the second half of the year. Following an exhilarating 15s season, all eyes now turn to the vibrant, restructured Sevens competitions, one which promises to deliver high-octane rugby across iconic and first-time host cities under the banner of “Destination Asia.”
Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Calendar 2025
The Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2025 will feature 12 national teams in both the men’s and women’s divisions, up from 8 in previous editions. The Series will consist of two legs:
Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s and Women’s Sevens Series
• Hangzhou, China (20–21 September), hosted at the venue of the 2023 Asian Games (Hangzhou Normal University)
• Colombo, Sri Lanka (18–19 October), marking a return to one of Asia’s historic rugby grounds, Racecourse Stadium, Colombo
With World Rugby restructuring its own HSBC SVNS, the stakes are higher than ever. The top-placed men’s and women’s teams in the Series will earn coveted qualification spots to the new World Rugby HSBC SVNS Division 3, previously known as the Sevens Challenger Series. Given that Japan and China’s women’s teams are already part of the elite, other top contenders now have a real shot at the “Golden Ticket” to global competition.
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Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy (AREST): A Gateway for Emerging Nations
In a bid to expand the game and provide competitive platforms for developing nations, Asia Rugby will also launch the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy, as a sub-regional competition that embodies the Council’s mandate from its end-of-year meeting in Thailand.
The Trophy will unfold across two stunning new locations:
Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy
• Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (11–12 October): The first-ever international rugby tournament in the Mongolian capital, featuring East, South, and Southeast Asian teams. Rugby has seen steady domestic growth in Mongolia, and this event marks a historic step forward.
Dashdendev Gansukh (Austin), MRFU President, said,
It is a moment of immense pride for Mongolia to host its first-ever international rugby tournament. Rugby has been growing steadily at the grassroots level in our country, and bringing the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy to Ulaanbaatar is a historic milestone. This event will inspire our youth, strengthen regional ties, and showcase Mongolia’s unique hospitality and passion for sport to the wider rugby world.”
• Muscat, Oman (25–26 October): A vibrant return of international rugby to the West and Central Asian region. Backed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, this leg will be played at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, showcasing Omani hospitality and world-class facilities.
Nabil Al Busaidi, Chairman of Oman Rugby, stated:
“We are thrilled to learn that Oman Rugby has been awarded the hosting rights for the prestigious Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy – Central and West Asia region! This marks a monumental milestone for rugby in the Sultanate and the wider region, as we proudly welcome up to 20 international teams to compete at the highest level of sevens rugby.”
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Youth Development: Two U20 & U18 Sevens Events to Light Up the Pathway
Asia Rugby’s commitment to nurturing the next generation remains steadfast. Two key youth tournaments will serve both as development platforms and qualification pathways:
• Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Men’s and Women’s Sevens
📍 Rajgir, Bihar, India | 9–10 August 2025
Riding the momentum of the successful Rugby Premier League (RPL), India’s rugby scene continues to thrive. This will be Rajgir’s first international rugby event and a landmark for the growing fan base in India.
• Asia Rugby Emirates U18 Boys and Girls Sevens
📍 Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China | 13–14 September 2025
Formerly known as Kweisui, Hohhot will host this key tournament, which will determine the top-seeded teams in Asia for both the Boys’ and Girls’ divisions.
Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai said:
“This calendar is not just about tournaments—it’s about creating access, excitement, and opportunity for all. From the youth events in India and China to first-ever hosts like Oman and Mongolia, this is a true celebration of rugby’s growth in Asia. We are proud to bring the game to new frontiers, powered by collaboration and the spirit of unity.”
Asia Rugby continues its commitment to bringing every game live via high-quality live streaming, ensuring fans across the continent and around the world can follow the action in real time.
For updates, fixtures, and live streaming links, follow @AsiaRugbyLive and visit www.AsiaRugby.com
