FUKUOKA, JAPAN — 28–29 September 2026: Rugby leaders and development professionals from across Asia will gather in Fukuoka for the World Rugby Growth Conference 2026, organised in conjunction with Asia Rugby and supported by the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU).
The 2026 conference marks the fifth edition of the Asia Rugby Growth Conference, continuing a regional platform that brings Member Unions together to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration and support the growth of rugby across Asia.
Under the theme “Connecting Asia, Inspiring Growth, Shaping the Future of Rugby,” the two-day conference will give national unions an opportunity to share their priorities, learn from one another and identify practical ways to grow the game across the region.
Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai said:
“Asia’s strength lies in the diversity and ambition of its rugby unions. This conference gives us an opportunity to listen to their priorities, share ideas that work and strengthen the partnerships that will help rugby grow. Our goal is to ensure that every union can turn its ambitions into opportunities for more people to play and be part of our game.”
The working participant roster includes representatives from 27 national unions, with 37 union delegate entries. Four representatives each from Asia Rugby and World Rugby bring the core roster to 45 participants. JRFU representatives, speakers, panellists and supporting personnel will also contribute. Attendance figures remain subject to final travel confirmation.
Sessions will focus on turning development ambitions into practical plans. Discussions will cover World Rugby’s development and participation priorities, operational planning, T1 Rugby, women’s rugby pathways, the Try Together Program and development calendars. Participants will also hear about JRFU’s Asian Scrum Project and explore youth leadership and union development initiatives.
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Asia Rugby Development Committee Chairperson Mohamed Jarkou said:
“Development looks different for every union, but we can make faster progress when we share what we have learned. These discussions will help unions identify achievable next steps, strengthen their programmes and build pathways that respond to the needs of their communities.”
Through workshops, presentations and group discussions, union representatives will share experiences from their countries and territories. The programme will give them space to discuss common challenges, present their own development priorities and find opportunities to work together.
The conference aims to turn those conversations into action: stronger union structures, wider participation and more opportunities for people across Asia to experience rugby.
Together, we grow the game. Together, we shape the future of Asian rugby.
One Vision. One Game. One Asia.
