The United Arab Emirates won the boys’ championship, and China retained the girls’ title at the Asia Rugby Emirates U18 Sevens 2026, with both teams completing unbeaten campaigns in Qingdao.
The UAE defeated Hong Kong China 26–0 in the boys’ final, while hosts China overcame Hong Kong China 34–5 in the girls’ championship decider, bringing two days of international age-grade rugby to a close.
UAE Complete Unbeaten Boys’ Campaign
The UAE delivered a decisive performance in the boys’ final, keeping Hong Kong China scoreless to secure the championship.
Their journey included pool victories over Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan and hosts China, followed by a 17–5 semifinal win against Malaysia.
Hong Kong China advanced to the final with a 33–0 victory over China.
China claimed bronze with a narrow 19–15 win against Malaysia. Sri Lanka finished fifth after beating India 34–7, while Chinese Taipei secured seventh with a 41–12 victory over Uzbekistan.
China Retain Girls’ Crown
China successfully defended their girls’ title with a commanding 34–5 victory over Hong Kong China.
The hosts won all three pool matches without conceding a point before overcoming Malaysia 22–0 in the semifinals.
Hong Kong China became the first team to score against China during the tournament, but the hosts completed their unbeaten campaign to lift the trophy on home soil.
Hong Kong China earned silver after reaching the final with a 14–5 semifinal victory over Uzbekistan. Malaysia took bronze with a 12–5 win against Uzbekistan.
The UAE finished fifth after defeating India 33–7, while Sri Lanka beat Kazakhstan 12–5 to secure seventh place.
From Asian Competition to the Youth Olympic Stage
The importance of Asia’s age-grade competition pathway will be highlighted later this year when China’s girls and Japan’s boys, the respective champions of the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates U18 Sevens in Hohhot, China, represent Asia at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Rugby sevens will take place in Dakar, Senegal, from 1–3 November. China will compete alongside Australia, Kenya and Senegal in their pool, while Japan will face Argentina, France and Samoa.
Their participation offers an inspiring example of the opportunities ahead for young players developing through Asian rugby, as Dakar hosts the first Olympic sporting event on African soil.
Recognition for Champions and Hosts
Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai commented as follows:
“Congratulations to the United Arab Emirates boys and China girls on their championship victories, and to every team that competed in Qingdao.
These opportunities to represent their countries are an important part of our young players’ development.
We sincerely thank the China Rugby Football Association and the local organising committee for hosting an excellent tournament, and Emirates for its continued support of rugby across Asia.
With China’s girls and Japan’s boys preparing for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, we look forward to seeing Asia’s emerging talent take the next step onto the Olympic stage.”
Asia Rugby Executive Committee member Mr. Fahmy Jalil attended as the VIP guest, representing President Qais Al Dhalai, and presented the trophies to the champions during the closing ceremony.
Asia Rugby EXCO member Mr. Fahmy Jali, said:
“It was a privilege to represent the Asia Rugby President and present the trophies to our champions. Congratulations to the players and coaches, and thank you to our hosts, match officials, volunteers and staff for their contributions throughout the tournament.
The experience gained in Qingdao will support these young players as they continue their development and pursue new opportunities in rugby.”
Alongside the player-development opportunities, the tournament supported the Emirates Match Officials pathway, with referees guided by experienced performance reviewers under Referee Manager Dilroy Fernando.
From Qingdao to Dakar, Asia’s next generation continues to build towards an exciting future.
Beyond the pitch, Asia Rugby’s live broadcasts and social media updates enabled supporters to follow the competition and celebrate its emerging talent. Fans can revisit tournament coverage and join the conversation through Asia Rugby Channels
