A new chapter in Asian rugby is set to begin in 2026 with the launch of the Emirates 7s Asia Rugby Clubs Cup inspired by UUDS AERO, a landmark tournament that will bring together the continent’s best club teams in the fast-paced rugby sevens format.
For the first time, Asia’s elite club sides will compete for a continental crown in a dedicated sevens competition, marking a major step forward in the professional development of rugby across the region. The inaugural edition of the tournament will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on July 4–5, 2026, where eight top men’s club teams will battle for the title of Asia’s best.
The event promises to be more than just a rugby tournament. Organisers have envisioned it as an electrifying night-time rugby festival, blending elite sport with entertainment, fan engagement and community celebration.
A Historic First for Asian Club Rugby
The creation of the Emirates 7s Asia Rugby Clubs Cup represents a significant shift in the structure of rugby competitions in Asia.
Traditionally, sevens tournaments at the continental level have focused almost exclusively on national teams, with clubs rarely having an opportunity to compete beyond domestic leagues. This new competition changes that landscape by providing a dedicated platform for clubs to compete internationally.
By introducing a continental club championship in the sevens format, Asia Rugby aims to mirror successful club-based systems seen in rugby powerhouses such as Europe and Oceania. Strong domestic and regional club competitions are widely viewed as the foundation for national team success, and this tournament is expected to strengthen that ecosystem in Asia.
For Asia Rugby president Qais Al Dhalai, the launch of the competition represents a historic moment for the sport in the region. It signals a move toward building a sustainable professional club structure while creating opportunities for players to showcase their abilities on a larger stage.
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The decision to stage the first edition of the tournament in Colombo reflects Sri Lanka’s long-standing connection with rugby.
The city’s Racecourse Stadium, a venue steeped in rugby tradition, is expected to host the matches under floodlights, creating a vibrant atmosphere for players and fans alike. With a capacity of around 10,000 spectators, the stadium has often been the heart of Sri Lankan club rugby and provides an ideal setting for a high-energy international event.
Sri Lanka’s domestic rugby scene has also experienced renewed momentum in recent years, with competitions such as the Maliban Inter-Club Rugby League helping to revitalise the sport. The Clubs Cup now offers Sri Lankan teams an opportunity to measure themselves against Asia’s best clubs in an official continental competition.
Eight Teams, Two Nights, One Champion
The tournament will feature eight leading men’s club teams from across Asia competing in a compact and exciting two-day format.
Across the event, 20 matches will be played as teams battle through group stages and knockout rounds to determine the inaugural champions of Asia’s club rugby sevens competition. Sevens rugby, known for its speed, open play and high scoring, provides an ideal format for spectators. Each match consists of two seven-minute halves, creating fast-paced contests where momentum can shift rapidly.
The decision to stage matches at night is also strategic. By playing under lights, organisers hope to create a more comfortable environment for players in Sri Lanka’s tropical climate while also enhancing the spectacle for television audiences. A key element behind the tournament’s launch is the support of major corporate partners.
Global aviation giant Emirates Airline has signed on as the title sponsor, continuing its long-standing association with rugby. Emirates has been involved in the sport for nearly four decades, beginning with its sponsorship of the Dubai Sevens and later becoming a global partner for multiple Rugby World Cups.
Meanwhile, UUDS AERO, a company specialising in aviation and space solutions, has joined as a strategic partner for the event. The collaboration reflects a growing trend in sport where technology-driven industries align themselves with high-performance sporting events.
The backing of these partners provides the financial stability needed to establish the competition as a long-term fixture on the Asian rugby calendar.
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Organisers have emphasised that the tournament will not only be about rugby but also about creating a festival-like experience for fans. Inspired by the globally renowned Dubai Sevens, the event in Colombo is expected to feature music stages, fan zones, hospitality areas and interactive activities designed to attract a broader audience.
The goal is to turn the competition into a cultural and sporting celebration where fans can enjoy entertainment alongside high-quality rugby. Family-friendly spaces, youth engagement programs and digital activations will also be part of the event’s wider strategy to connect with younger audiences.
A Platform for Future Stars
Beyond the spectacle, the tournament also serves an important developmental purpose. By offering club players exposure to international competition, the Asia Rugby Clubs Cup will help create a stronger talent pipeline for national teams.
Outstanding performers in the tournament could potentially earn opportunities in national sevens squads, particularly as Asia prepares for major competitions such as the Asian Games and future Olympic qualification events. Players from traditional rugby strongholds like Japan and Hong Kong are expected to feature prominently, raising the competitive standard of the tournament.
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The inaugural Emirates 7s Asia Rugby Clubs Cup represents a bold step in the evolution of rugby in Asia. By creating a continental stage for club teams, the competition aims to elevate the sport’s professional standards, strengthen domestic leagues and provide new pathways for players to progress toward international success.
As the evening lights illuminate Colombo’s Racecourse Stadium in July 2026, the event will mark more than just the crowning of Asia’s best club. It will signal the beginning of a new festival of rugby one that blends elite competition, entertainment and ambition, and sets the stage for the next era of Asian rugby.
