Asia Rugby Announce 2026 Emirates Competitions Calendar

Asia Rugby has officially revealed its 2026 Emirates Competitions Calendar, a roadmap designed to accelerate the sport’s growth across elite Fifteens, Sevens, and age-grade categories.

The schedule features a record number of events staged across diverse subregional hosts, including Kazakhstan, China, Sri Lanka, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

By decentralising tournament hosting, the organisation aims to reduce travel burdens while showcasing the game in emerging rugby hubs. The 2026 season is anchored by the “Emirates” title partnership, which continues to provide the commercial backbone for the region’s elite competitions.

Commenting on the announcement, Asia Rugby president, Qais Al Dhalai, said: “This calendar reflects the strength and ambition of our region.”

“We are proud to deliver more competitions… ensuring every union has the chance to compete, grow, and showcase Asian rugby on the international stage,” Al Dhalai said.

Emphasising the operational efficiency of the new schedule, chairperson of the Competitions Committee, Asanga Seneviratne, added: “The 2026 schedule balances elite performance with development opportunities, ensuring every event adds real value to our teams and stakeholders.” 

Key Championship Fixtures and Strategic Shifts

The 2026 season is divided into two distinct halves, transitioning from the endurance of Fifteens to the high-intensity Sevens circuit.

Women’s Championship (April–May): Staged in Almaty, the flagship women’s event features powerhouses Japan, Hong Kong China, and Kazakhstan.

Men’s Championship (May–June): A four-nation round-robin involving the UAE, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong China, and Korea. Matches will be hosted in Dubai, Colombo, Hong Kong, and Incheon.

New July Competition: A “landmark” new Emirates competition will debut in Sri Lanka from 1–10 July, with details regarding the format and participating unions expected in late February.

Asian Games Integration: The Sevens season will pivot around the Aichi Nagoya Asian Games in Japan (1–3 October), serving as the year’s pinnacle high-performance event.

The organisation’s strategy for 2026 also includes a heavy investment in youth, with Under-18, Under-19, and Under-20 championships scheduled for China, India, and Sri Lanka respectively.

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