Asia Rugby Sevens takes centre stage in China and Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 18 August 2026 10:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

The 2026 Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series will take on added significance this year as the region’s leading teams battle not only for honours but also for valuable exposure and a pathway towards the next level of international sevens rugby.

The series will open in Suzhou, China, on 29 August before moving to Colombo for the second and final round on 17 and 18 October. With both the men’s and women’s competitions featuring 12 nations, the two tournaments will provide an important platform for established sides while also highlighting the rapid progress of emerging rugby nations across Asia.

The significance of the competition extends beyond the two rounds. Strong performances in the Asian sevens pathway will be crucial for teams targeting higher international recognition, including opportunities to qualify for the 50-year-old, world-famous Hong Kong Sevens and, ultimately, the World Rugby Sevens pathway.

The inclusion of emerging nations such as Iran, Uzbekistan, India and Kazakhstan is particularly encouraging. Their progress through development competitions such as the Emirates Sevens Trophy demonstrates that investment in structured pathways is producing tangible results and expanding the competitive base of Asian rugby.

For Sri Lanka, the Colombo round will be especially important. Playing at home provides the national teams with an opportunity to perform in front of local supporters while testing themselves against some of the strongest sevens programs in Asia.

The men’s competition includes Hong Kong China, Japan, Sri Lanka, China, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Kazakhstan, India and Uzbekistan.

The women’s series features Japan, China, Thailand, Hong Kong China, Kazakhstan, India, Singapore, the UAE, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and Iran.

The pathway towards Hong Kong is particularly significant. The Hong Kong Sevens remains one of the most prestigious events in the Asian and global rugby calendar and an important stepping stone towards the global sevens arena. Success in the Asian circuit can therefore provide nations with the confidence and competitive experience required to pursue bigger international objectives, including the World Rugby Sevens pathway.

With Suzhou launching the campaign and Colombo bringing the series to a close, the 2026 Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series promises to be more than a two-round tournament. It will be a key stage in Asia’s continuing development and a potential launch-pad for nations chasing Hong Kong qualification and a place closer to the global World Series pathway in 2027.

Former Isipathana and Kandy SC player Srinath Sooriyabandara will lead the outfit, which will be coached by Peter Woods. The rest of the squad will be named tomorrow (19).