Statement from the President of Asia Rugby

Since being elected President in November 2019, I’ve been deeply honored by the trust and support shown by our General Assembly and Member Federations. This trust fuels my commitment to lead with vision, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to our shared values—Equality, Transparency, and Accountability.

However, just months into my new mandate, the world was hit by an unprecedented challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. Like all sports globally, Asia Rugby faced immense disruptions, postponed tournaments, halted grassroots programs, limited player development, and logistical challenges that affected nearly every aspect of our operations.

The pandemic brought all momentum to a standstill, not just in Asia but across the sporting world. Despite these hardships, our core principles and sense of unity never wavered.

To our Federations: While differing opinions are part of any evolving organization, they have only strengthened our resolve. You are the pillars of Asia Rugby. Your collaboration and dedication have not only sustained us through crisis but also positioned us to rebound stronger. Our unity—built on mutual respect and a collective spirit—has ensured that Asia Rugby remains a beacon of resilience, inclusion, and progress.

Now, as we move forward, we do so with the hard-earned lessons of the past and a renewed commitment to reignite the development of rugby across Asia. Our journey has been tested, but not broken. Together, we will restore momentum, rebuild stronger structures, and reclaim the trajectory of growth that was disrupted

To our Athletes: You inspire us all. You are the reason we work tirelessly to create opportunities and pathways to thrive.

To our Sponsors and Partners: Your support is a cornerstone of our progress. We will continue to honor your trust with integrity and transparency.

Though challenges arise, our unity is our strength. I will continue to lead Asia Rugby with a clear purpose—ensuring that our game grows stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful across every corner of our great continent.

As President of Asia Rugby, I personally championed the reform of the Rugby World Cup qualification system to ensure that Asia would, for the first time in history, be guaranteed at least one direct qualification spot. In previous editions, the Asia Rugby Champion was forced into a repechage pathway, making Asia the only one of the six global regions without direct entry to the tournament.

This imbalance was both unfair and unsustainable. Through persistent advocacy and strategic collaboration with the Presidents of South America Rugby, Rugby Africa, Rugby Europe, and Oceania Rugby, I secured support that ultimately led to the World Rugby Council approving this historic change. I consider this one of Asia Rugby’s top three achievements over the past five years, alongside the expansion of our membership from 32 to 36 unions and the landmark sponsorship agreement with Emirates Airline.

Today, Asia Rugby stands at a historic high point: for the first time ever, at least two Asian teams will compete at the Men’s Rugby World Cup—a powerful reflection of the region’s rising influence and progress in the global game

Our landmark partnership with Emirates, a digital presence of over 1.8 million followers across our 36 member unions, millions of broadcast views, and a strengthened Match Officials and Training & Education programme are all testaments to the strength of our vision, the unity of our unions, and the growing passion for rugby across Asia. These milestones are not the finish line—they are the foundation for an even bolder future. We are building better, stronger, and more inclusive rugby—but only together.

Together, let’s keep pushing boundaries. Our journey is far from over. “We can better but TOGETHER”