Hong Kong China defeated Japan 19–7 in the men’s final, while Japan overcame hosts China 24–7 to claim the women’s title at the opening round of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026.
Hong Kong China’s men and Japan’s women were crowned Round One champions as the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026 concluded at Changshu Sports Centre in Suzhou, China.The closing stages of the tournament were temporarily suspended due to lightning, resulting in revisions to the match programme before play safely resumed.
Hong Kong China Complete Unbeaten Men’s Campaign
Hong Kong China progressed to the knockout stage after winning all three pool matches. They continued their strong form with a 52–5 quarterfinal victory over Malaysia before defeating Korea 26–0 in the semifinal. Japan reached the final following a 17–0 quarterfinal victory over Sri Lanka and a 36–5 semifinal win against the hosts, China.
Hong Kong China completed a perfect weekend with a 19–7 victory over Japan in the championship match, giving them the early advantage in the two-round Series. China gave the home supporters a bronze medal after overcoming Korea 24–19 in the third-place playoff.
Thailand secured fifth place with a narrow 17–14 victory over the United Arab Emirates, while Sri Lanka defeated Malaysia 35–5 to finish seventh.
Japan Women Underline Their Strength
Japan won all three women’s pool matches without conceding a point before defeating Uzbekistan 59–0 in the quarterfinal and Thailand 26–10 in the semifinal.
Hosts China also reached the final without conceding a point, recording a 47–0 quarterfinal victory over the United Arab Emirates and a 21–0 semifinal win against Hong Kong China. Japan prevailed 24–7 in the final, handing China their first defeat and becoming the first team to score against the hosts during the tournament.
Thailand secured the bronze medal by defeating Hong Kong China 17–12, reversing their narrow 5–0 pool-stage defeat against the same opponents. Kazakhstan finished fifth following a 17–12 victory over India, while the United Arab Emirates secured seventh place by defeating Uzbekistan 22–5.
Emirates Match Officials Announced for Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series in Suzhou
Asia Rugby Leadership Praises Champions and Hosts
Asia Rugby Executive Committee Member Mr Batbayar Purevjargal, attending as a VIP guest, presented the championship trophies following the men’s and women’s finals.
Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai said:
“On behalf of Asia Rugby, I congratulate Hong Kong China’s men and Japan’s women on being crowned Round One champions, as well as every team that contributed to an outstanding weekend of rugby.
I extend our sincere appreciation to the Chinese Rugby Football Association, the Local Organising Committee, officials, volunteers and partners for hosting an excellent tournament in Suzhou. Their professionalism and hospitality provided a fitting stage for Asia’s leading sevens teams.”
Asia Rugby EXCO member Mr Batbayar Purevjargal, representing the Asia Rugby President, said:
“It was a great honour to present the trophies to our champions. The performances throughout the tournament demonstrated the quality, competitiveness and continued progress of rugby sevens across Asia. Congratulations to all the participating teams for representing their nations with pride and displaying the values of our game.”
Attention now turns to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, where Asia’s leading men’s and women’s rugby sevens nations will compete in Japan from 1–3 October.
The Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026 will conclude in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 17–18 October, where the overall men’s and women’s Series champions will be crowned.
Hong Kong China’s men and Japan’s women head into Round Two as the Series leaders, but strong performances from their closest challengers in Suzhou mean both championship races remain open. Round Two will provide the final opportunity to earn Series points, with the overall champions also progressing to SVNS 3.
The Action Remains in China
Asia Rugby sevens action remains in China, moving from Suzhou to Qingdao for the Asia Rugby Emirates U18 Sevens 2026 on 5–6 September.
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