Rugby sevens at the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games begins on Thursday, 1 October, with 12 men’s teams and eight women’s teams competing over three days. The medal matches will take place on Saturday, 3 October.
China and Malaysia open the tournament at 9:00 am JST in the men’s competition, followed by defending champions Hong Kong China against Uzbekistan at 9:25 am. The women’s competition begins at 11:30 am, with Thailand facing Kazakhstan.
The men’s competition features three pools. Pool A includes Hong Kong China, China, Malaysia and Uzbekistan; Pool B features hosts Japan, Thailand, Korea and Kazakhstan; and Pool C comprises Sri Lanka, the UAE, Singapore and the Philippines. In the women’s competition, Japan, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Singapore make up Pool D, while defending champions China join Hong Kong China, India and Malaysia in Pool E.
Hong Kong China won the men’s gold medal at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, defeating Korea 14–7 in the final. China claimed the women’s gold with victory over Japan. Both return to defend their titles in Nagoya.
Rugby sevens at the Asian Games
Rugby sevens has been part of the Asian Games since Bangkok 1998, when Korea won the inaugural men’s gold medal. Japan later won three consecutive men’s titles from 2006 to 2014, before Hong Kong China claimed gold in 2018 and successfully defended the title at Hangzhou 2023.
The women’s competition was introduced at Guangzhou 2010, with Kazakhstan winning the first gold medal. China took the title in 2014, Japan in 2018, and China returned to the top of the podium at Hangzhou 2023.
Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai said:
“The Asian Games are one of the most important stages for sport in our region, and rugby sevens gives our athletes an opportunity to represent their nations and communities with pride. For every player who takes the field in Nagoya, reaching this moment is the result of years of commitment from teammates, coaches, families and unions.
“This tournament is also an opportunity to showcase the growth and ambition of rugby across Asia and inspire the next generation of players. With 20 teams across the men’s and women’s competitions, we look forward to three days of outstanding rugby and wish every team the very best.”
Asia Rugby Competitions Chair Asanga Seneviratne said:
“The opening day will showcase the “ Best in Asia Rugby“ competing for gold in the largest sporting event in the World that features over 11, 000 athletes.~
Teams have prepared extensively, and a world-class event will be on display, watched by a capacity crowd this weekend in Nagoya.
Every match will be of importance in determining the pathway to the medal rounds.”
Pool play continues on 2 October, followed by the men’s quarter-finals. The semi-finals and medal matches take place on 3 October, with the women’s gold medal match scheduled for 6:40 pm JST and the men’s final at 7:10 pm JST.
