China’s Wang Yun appointed as Asia Rugby Vice-President

Asia Rugby has announced the appointment of Mr Wang Yun, President of the Chinese Rugby Football Association (CRFA), as a Vice-President of Asia Rugby, filling the position vacated by JRFU’s Kensuke Iwabuchi.

Photo Credit – Asia Rugby

The well-documented illegal suspension of former Asia Rugby Vice-President Kensuke Iwabuchi by Asia Rugby’s President was recently settled, as Asia Rugby, but not Qais Al-Dhalai himself, made an apology to the JRFU, and they have since determined the matter is resolved.

Asia Rugby said in its statement that the appointment of Wang Yun was made by the Asia Rugby Executive Committee in accordance with the relevant provisions of the organisation’s Articles of Association and Regulations governing casual vacancies.

Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai is said to have briefed the Executive Committee on Mr Wang Yun’s suitability for the position, highlighting his leadership of the Chinese Rugby Football Association, his commitment to the development of rugby, and the experience he can bring to Asia Rugby at a strategic level.

The appointment was formally proposed by Executive Committee Member Mr Batbayar Purevjargal (Mongolia) and seconded by Vice-President Mr Tanka Lal Ghising (Nepal) and received the unanimous support of the Executive Committee.

Asia Rugby President Al Dhalai said, “China is an important member of the Asian rugby family, and Mr Wang brings significant leadership experience and a strong commitment to the continued development of our sport.

His appointment also enables us to maintain representation from East Asia within our Vice-Presidential leadership, while strengthening the collective experience of the Executive Committee as we continue to grow rugby across the continent.”

Does China’s Contribution to Asian Rugby Grow?

Photo Credit – World Rugby – China Women 7s

Asia Rugby was quick to point to China’s growing role in the development of rugby in Asia, including hosting major Asia Rugby competitions and supporting the growth and visibility of the sport across the region.

However, it should be said that several unions no longer bid to host Asia Rugby events, partly due to internal politics, but we have also been told due to the rising costs of hosting events. Only Sri Lanka and China have hosted the Asia Rugby Sevens Series the past two seasons, and China has hosted the U18 Sevens Series the past two years.

Without a doubt, the CRFA heavily invests in its Sevens programmes due to the sport’s involvement in the Olympics, but they (and other unions) have been criticised for not promoting or developing the XVs game.

There is no national domestic XV league in China (although many Chinese social clubs do compete in their own competitions). The China women’s national XV team last played a Test in June 2019 – it used to be the case that to maintain full Asia Rugby and World Rugby membership status, having a domestic XV championship was part of the requirements.

The official World Rugby Membership Pathway document distributed in January 2022 states that a union “must have a Senior National Representative Men’s team (Fifteen), participating in recognised Regional Competitions (where possible) and have a sustainable Women’s Programme.”

Mr Wang Yun commented, “China is committed to contributing to the wider growth of the game, and I look forward to supporting greater collaboration and creating more opportunities for rugby across our region.”

Asian Rugby News

• Asian International Rugby Tournaments 2026.
• JRFU Receives & Acknowledges Long-Overdue Apology from Asia Rugby Over Kensuke Iwabuchi Fiasco.
• Thai Rugby Union Meets with NZ 7s To Strengthen Ties.
• Asian Games 2026 Rugby 7s Pools & Teams.