Hong Kong China Crowned Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series Champions as Japan Win Colombo Finale
Hong Kong China claimed the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Sevens Series 2026 title and secured Asia’s place at HSBC SVNS 3, as Japan won the final leg in Colombo on 18 October.
Japan’s 28–14 victory in the Colombo final brought the two leading teams level on 38 series points. With one head-to-head win apiece, Hong Kong China took the overall title on points difference across all series matches, finishing on +363 against Japan’s +343.
The decisive foundation was laid in Suzhou on 29–30 August, where Hong Kong China defeated Japan 19–7 in the opening-leg final. A tournament victory and a runner-up finish proved enough to secure the championship after two closely contested rounds.
Japan Finish Strongly in Colombo
Japan delivered an emphatic knockout-stage performance, beating China in the semi-finals before overcoming Hong Kong China in the decider.
China finished third overall on 32 points, followed by Thailand on 26. Hosts Sri Lanka closed their Colombo campaign with a 33–5 victory over Malaysia to take fifth place at the final leg.
Related News:
Hong Kong China Win Round One of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026 in Suzhou
Asia Rugby Emirates Match Officials Announced for the Sevens Series 2026 Finale in Colombo
Asia’s Route to the World Stage
For Hong Kong China, the series title also brings qualification for HSBC SVNS 3, providing the next opportunity to progress through the global sevens pathway.
The two-leg competition connected national programmes across Asia, with the championship decided by performances from the opening matches in China to the final whistle in Sri Lanka.
Final Men’s Series Rankings.
Korea finished ahead of Sri Lanka on head-to-head wins. India and Uzbekistan were level on head-to-head wins, with India ahead on overall points difference.
Qais Al Dhalai, Asia Rugby President:
“Congratulations to Hong Kong China on winning the series and to Japan on their success in Colombo. We thank Emirates, our other sponsors Rhino and A One, our host unions and every team for their contribution to a competition that gives Asian players the opportunity to compete, develop and pursue their ambitions on the world stage.”
Asanga Seneviratne, Asia Rugby Competitions Committee Chairman:
“A title decided on points difference showcased Asia’s best, giving their all and leaving spectators on the edge of their seats as Colombo provided a fitting conclusion to the Asia 7s series for Men and Women. We thank all the players, match officials, organisers and volunteers who made this grand spectacle possible.”
