Asia Rugby and Chinese RFA Sign MoU at Emirates Dubai 7s 2025

Asia Rugby and the Chinese Rugby Football Association (CRFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the Emirates Dubai 7s 2025, which means China will continue to host regional tournaments over the coming years.

This also comes in the backdrop to another damning piece of communication from World Rugby to Asia Rugby, in which the global governing body has decided that while Asia Rugby will not be suspended from World Rugby membership, its Council Membership will be provisionally suspended until the agreed and necessary reforms are implemented. (We will bring more about this in the coming weeks.)

Asia Rugby and CRFA MoU – 2025

The agreement means China will have the hosting rights for several major Asia Rugby competitions between 2026 and 2027.

• Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series (ARESS): 2026, 2027
• Asia Rugby Emirates Under 18s Boys & Girls Sevens: 2026, 2027

Mr Wang Yun, President of the Chinese Rugby Football Association (CRFA), said,  “We are honoured to partner with Asia Rugby through this multi-year agreement. Hosting these major regional competitions in China in 2026 and 2027 reflects our commitment to growing the game and providing high-quality opportunities for athletes across Asia.

This cooperation will not only elevate rugby in China but also contribute to a stronger, more connected Asian rugby community. We look forward to working closely with Asia Rugby to deliver exceptional events and inspire the next generation of players.”

Areas Of Co-operation Under the Agreement

Photo Credit- Asia Rugby

Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai said, “The signing of this MoU with the China Rugby Football Association (CRFA) here at the Emirates Dubai 7s represents a significant milestone for rugby in Asia. China has demonstrated remarkable commitment and ambition, and we are proud to strengthen this strategic partnership.

Asia Rugby looks forward to working closely with CRFA to deliver world-class competitions that create meaningful pathways and opportunities for our athletes, unions, and the continued growth of our game and fan base across the continent”.

The Asia Rugby President is yet to make an apology to the JRFU after it wrongfully suspended the Vice-President of Asia Rugby and Chair of JRFU, Mr Kensuke Iwabuchi, in February 2025. (World Rugby called it a wrongful suspension in the latest correspondence).

They added that this, in addition to the ongoing governance and financial issues of Asia Rugby, has “caused disquiet and an erosion of trust amongst member unions.”

According to Asia Rugby, they will:

• Provide the official competition structure, technical guidelines, and tournament regulations.
• Appoint match officials, technical staff, and support personnel for each event.
• Provide financial hosting allowances and subsidies as agreed in separate Hosting Agreements.
• Deliver branding, marketing, and broadcast guidelines and support.
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation to ensure compliance with Asia Rugby standards.

CRFA will:

• Lead on-the-ground hosting, organisation, promotion, and delivery of each competition.
• Coordinate with local authorities, broadcasters, and commercial partners.
• Ensure compliance with all technical and operational requirements, including multi-camera broadcast production, TMO, medical services, and player welfare provisions.

Rugby Partnership News 2025

• Gilbert Extends Partnership with World Rugby Until 2033.
• World Rugby and Emirates Extend Partnership.
• Emirates Signs On As Asia Rugby Title Competition Sponsor in Three-Year Deal.
• Signed, Sealed, Delivered – But What Does the SEARF MoU Signing with East Asian Rugby Unions Mean?