Asia Rugby Sets the Stage for 2026 with Landmark Emirates Competitions Calendar

Asia Rugby has officially unveiled its 2026 Emirates Competitions Calendar, delivering a full year of elite Fifteens, Sevens, and age-grade rugby across the region.

From demanding Fifteens battles to expanded Sevens opportunities and development competitions, the 2026 season will see Asia’s top unions compete across multiple subregional hosts.

Women’s Championship Opens the Year – Kazakhstan

The season begins with the Asia Rugby Emirates Women’s Championship hosted in Almaty, Kazakhstan and featuring Japan, Hong Kong China and host country Kazakhstan.

Match Schedule

28 April – Kazakhstan vs Japan

4 May – Japan vs Hong Kong China

9 May – Kazakhstan vs Hong Kong China

Men’s Championship – Round-Robin Rivalries Across Four Nations

The flagship Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship returns in a round-robin format across the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong China and Korea, featuring teams from the host nations.

Match Schedule

May

23 May – United Arab Emirates vs Korea (Dubai)

24 May – Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong China (Colombo)

June

5 June – United Arab Emirates vs Sri Lanka (Dubai)

6 June – Hong Kong China vs Korea (Hong Kong China)

13 June – Korea vs Sri Lanka (Incheon)

14 June – Hong Kong China vs United Arab Emirates (Hong Kong China)

New Asia Rugby Emirates Competition Launch – July

A new Asia Rugby Emirates competition will be introduced in Sri Lanka from 1–10 July, with further details to be announced soon, expanding competitive opportunities for all member unions.

Sevens Season Expands Across the Region

The second half of the year shifts focus to Sevens, continuing Asia Rugby’s strategy of wider participation and regional hosting.

Key Events

15–16 Aug – Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series Round 1 (China)

12–13 Sept – Asia Rugby Emirates Under-18s Sevens (China)

19–20 Sept – Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy – South, South East & East (Chinese Taipei)

1–3 Oct – Aichi Nagoya Asian Games (Japan)

17–18 Oct – Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series Round 2 (Sri Lanka)

14–15 Nov – Asia Rugby Emirates Under-20s Sevens (India)

21–22 Nov – Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy – West & Central (TBC)

Year-End Development Competitions

9 & 12 Dec – Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Division 1 (Malaysia)

15 & 19 Dec – Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Under-19 Championship (Sri Lanka)

Asia Rugby Emirates Women’s Division 1 – host union to be announced in due course

Leadership Perspective

Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai said:

“This calendar reflects the strength and ambition of our region. We are proud to deliver more competitions, more hosting opportunities, and clearer performance pathways for our member unions than ever before. 2026 will be a year where every union has the chance to compete, grow, and showcase Asian rugby on the international stage.”

Asanga Seneviratne, Chairperson of the Asia Rugby Competitions Committee, added:

“Our focus has been simple — quality competitions, fair pathways, and efficient travel for unions. The 2026 schedule balances elite performance with development opportunities, ensuring that every event adds real value to our teams and stakeholders. It is one of the most comprehensive calendars Asia Rugby has delivered.”

Looking Ahead

The 2026 calendar reflects Asia Rugby’s continued focus on competitive balance, clear performance pathways, increased hosting opportunities for member unions, and broader access across all regions.

With competitions staged from Kazakhstan to China, Sri Lanka to Japan, and across the Middle East and East Asia, 2026 promises another landmark year for rugby in Asia.

Full fixtures, broadcast information and tournament updates will be available at www.asiarugby.com.