Jordan to Host First-Ever Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy on Home Soil
Fourteen teams from nine nations will compete in Aqaba on 6–7 November, with promotion to the 2027 Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series at stake.
Jordan will host an Asia Rugby sevens tournament for the first time when the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy – West & Central 2026 takes place in Aqaba on 6–7 November.
Nine men’s teams and five women’s teams will contest the two-day tournament, with the winners of each competition earning promotion to the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2027.
Following the successful staging of the Trophy in Oman in 2025, hosting arrangements for this year’s West & Central competition faced uncertainty amid the ongoing regional circumstances. Jordan Rugby stepped forward and was awarded the hosting rights, ensuring that participating unions retain an important opportunity to compete and progress.
Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai thanked the host union for its commitment:
“We sincerely thank Jordan Rugby for stepping forward to host the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy and for the commitment and effort required to deliver this important tournament. Providing opportunities for our member unions to compete is central to growing rugby across Asia. Hosting also gives unions the chance to inspire their communities, strengthen local expertise and build a lasting legacy for the game.”
Promotion at Stake
The men’s competition will feature Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Pakistan, Oman and Kyrgyzstan.
The women’s competition will bring together Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, providing a valuable platform for the continued development of women’s rugby across the region.
With promotion on the line, participating teams have a clear competitive target and an opportunity to turn their development ambitions into a place in next year’s Series.
Feisal Al-Sadoun, President of Jordan Rugby
“Hosting the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy for the first time is a proud milestone for Jordan and an important step in our ambition to make the Kingdom a destination for international sport. Bringing 14 national teams from nine countries to Aqaba is about more than rugby. It is a chance to connect nations, support tourism and share Jordan’s culture, hospitality and Aqaba’s remarkable Red Sea setting with visitors from across Asia.
“As a former national team player and captain, it is particularly meaningful to see our men’s and women’s teams compete on home soil, with their families and supporters behind them. We hope this tournament inspires the next generation, strengthens rugby in Jordan and gives our teams the opportunity to pursue promotion to the 2027 Series.
“Delivering this tournament in just eight weeks has taken extraordinary collective effort. I am especially proud of the Jordan Rugby executive team and our volunteers, whose hard work and dedication have been at the heart of making it happen. We are grateful to Asia Rugby, its staff and volunteers, and President Qais Al Dhalai for their trust, leadership and support, and for their continued commitment to growing and developing rugby across Asia. I also thank our national stakeholders and partners, including ASEZA, the Jordan Tourism Board, Royal Jordanian, Ayla, Isuzu, INGOT and Infinity. Their contributions have been invaluable.
“We look forward to welcoming Asia to Aqaba in the true spirit of the Nashama. We are proud to host this competition and to show what Jordan can achieve as we come together around a shared vision.”
Asia Rugby Competitions Committee Chairperson Asanga Seneviratne said:
“The Trophy is an important part of Asia Rugby’s competition pathway, giving emerging teams meaningful international competition and the opportunity to earn promotion to the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series. We appreciate Jordan Rugby’s efforts to bring this tournament together and look forward to an exciting two days of men’s and women’s rugby in Aqaba.”
Building on Jordan’s Hosting Experience
The tournament adds another milestone to Jordan’s international rugby hosting record. Jordan hosted the Asia Rugby Championship Division 3 West in Amman in April 2016, welcoming Saudi Arabia and the UAE Shaheen development team.
The country also staged the Arab Rugby Sevens Championship in 2017 and 2019, with Jordan’s men claiming the title on home soil in Amman in 2019.
Hosting the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy builds on that experience, providing an opportunity to strengthen local event expertise, showcase Jordan’s rugby community and welcome teams and supporters from across the region.
Asia Rugby Chief Executive Officer Benjamin van Rooyen said:
“Regular opportunities to play are essential to the development of our players, coaches and match officials. This tournament gives participating unions a competitive goal to work towards, while offering Jordan a valuable platform to engage new audiences and strengthen its capacity to host international rugby. Bringing men’s and women’s teams together in Aqaba will help build momentum for the game across the region.”
For Jordan’s players, competing in front of a home crowd will bring additional motivation. For the host union, the occasion offers a chance to introduce new supporters to sevens and encourage greater participation in the sport.
Organised by Asia Rugby and hosted by Jordan Rugby, with Emirates as title partner, the tournament will combine the pursuit of regional honours with a pathway to higher-level continental competition.
Participating Teams
Men Women
Jordan Jordan
Syria Syria
Lebanon Lebanon
Iraq Iraq
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
Bahrain
Pakistan
Oman
Kyrgyzstan
Watch Live and Follow the Action
All matches at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy – West & Central 2026 will be streamed live on Asia Rugby’s official YouTube channel and Facebook Live. Follow Asia Rugby’s social media platforms for tournament updates, results and highlights, and Jordan Rugby on Instagram (@jordanrugby) for updates from the host union.
Fans can also experience the action in person at Ayla Oasis, Aqaba, on 6–7 November. Buy tickets here and support the teams as they compete for silverware and promotion to the 2027 Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series.
