SEA Games Thailand 2025 Rugby 7s – Everything You Need To Know

Rugby 7s returns to the SEA Games Thailand 2025, the first time the sport has been included since 2019, when the Philippines men and Thailand women were victorious. The rugby sevens will be played in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 13-14 at the Dhupatemiya Stadium, Royal Thai Air Force Sports Complex.

The Rugby Sevens at the 2025 SEA Games will see six nations from Southeast Asia involved: Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos and Thailand (as hosts).

Cambodia, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Brunei, and Myanmar will not feature in the two-day tournament.

The Thai women will be favourites after finishing highest of the competing teams in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2025, and they have won gold in Rugby 7s at the SEA Games several times consecutively. As defending champions, they will be keen to put on a show in front of the home fans. Singapore and Malaysia will be their biggest rivals.

The President of the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation and currently the Thai Rugby Union President, Pol. Lt. Col. Kunthon Prachuabmoh said via TRU social media, “For the women’s team, I am 1000 per cent sure that they will get the gold medal. For the men’s team, it depends on the pace. At this time, there are 4 teams that are in great form. Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

Photo Credit- TRU – Dhupatemiya Stadium, Royal Thai Air Force Sports Complex

He added, “In the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines, the Thai men’s team won the bronze medal. But this year, I am confident because of the performance in the recent Asian Series. The women’s rugby team won third place (in the ARESS), losing to only China and Japan. And the men’s teams won 5th place, which made me quite confident in the form and potential of the Thai players, that they will succeed“

For the men, it’s close to call. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines will all be contendors for medals while  Laos would be an outside bet. Indonesia were scheduled to compete but withdrew a couple of weeks before the tournament.

Paul Tietjens, the Singapore Head Coach, said, “For the Men, we know we’re heading into a very challenging and cut-throat draw. The format doesn’t offer second chances, so it’s crucial we start well and sustain that momentum across the weekend.

We have huge belief in our group. If we remain process-driven, focus on one job at a time, nail our core roles, and play our brand of 7’s while working hard for each other, we give ourselves every opportunity to be successful.

For the Women, it’s a similar message. We’re not looking any further than our first game against Malaysia. It’s about doing the fundamentals really well, connecting as a group from the outset, trusting our systems, and being consistent in our effort and execution.”

The Philippines Men are defending champions, and Ada Milby (PRFU President), told Rugby Asia 247: “Having rugby 7s back in the SEA Games is a big moment for our programme and for the region — it gives our athletes the platform they deserve and helps inspire the next generation of Filipino players. We’re excited to showcase the hard work the teams have put in and to represent the Philippines with pride and passion.”

Pools and Teams – Rugby 7s SEA Games 2025

There are five Men’s teams playing in one pool for the tournament, and the women will play in the same format in Thailand. Only the top four teams will compete for medals after the pool matches are completed, with the top two from each playing for silver and gold, and the 3rd and 4th places teams competing for bronze.

Men’s Teams

• Philippines
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Thailand
• Laos

Women’s Teams

• Thailand
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Indonesia
• Malaysia

Squad News – Rugby 7s

Women’s Teams – SEA Games 2025

Thailand Women

The Thai women finished behind only Japan and China in the Asian Series and will be heading to the HSBC SVNS Division 3 in 2026. Lote Raikabula was re-appointed head coach as of August 2025.

Ms. Suthasanee, the Thailand Women’s Team Manager told Rugby Asia 247: “I think SEA Games 2025 is a great opportunity for the Thai women’s team, since we have the SVNS Division 3 tournament at the end of January in Dubai. The SEA Games will be the best opportunity for us to test our game and the team’s fitness. The Thailand women’s team must win a gold medal!”

A stalwart and oft-captain of the Women’s side, Wannaree Meechok said via the TRU, “Of course, the women’s team’s goal is to win the gold medal and defend their championship. We know that the SEA Games is a major regional tournament in ASEAN.

Photo Credit TRU

All competitors will give their all, and we are determined to do our best. Plus, we’ll be playing at home, so we won’t be complacent. Our goal, aside from winning the gold medal, is to strive to perform to our own standards. We hope to test out various systems and strategies before competing in the major World Rugby SVNS Division 3 Series 2026, which will take place from January 17-18, 2026, in Dubai.”

Survivors from the team which won gold in 2019 are: captain Liamrat, Huankid, Meechok, Nawakaew, Wandee, and Wittayaronnayut.

Four of the players also won gold in 2017 and are going for three in a row – Huankid, Liamrat, Wandee & Wittayaronnayut, while the last three players even won gold in 2015 and are aiming for a 4th straight SEA Games gold!

• Captain Uthumporn Liamrat (Captain)
• WANNAREE MEECHOK
• DARIN JANTAMALA
• NUNTADCHAPORN YODYA
• PANPASSA JAIJARIM
• SALINDA PHAEKHWAMDEE
• DION AKWAJA
• NARATHIP MANEESAI
• PHANTHIRA CHAIKET
• Rattanaporn Wittayaronnayut
• THANACHPORN WANDEE
• THANAPORN HUANKID
• RUKSINA NAWAKAEW

Photo Credit – Asia Rugby – Thailand women and Singapore ARESS 2025

Singapore Women

The Singapore women have already had a camp in Thailand in preparation for the SEA Games – the last time, they finished 5th at the 2019 edition of the tournament.

Head Coach Rex Wang told Rugby Asia 247, “This year we ran two training camps, and we brought a wider squad together to give more players development opportunities and much-needed exposure. It also allowed our senior players to work through different combinations and build cohesion.

I’m happy with the team’s progress. We’ve been able to test ourselves in higher-intensity environments, and that’s accelerated our growth. In terms of player availability, we’ve had a few injuries along the way, but the rest of the squad stepped up and filled those gaps comfortably. That adaptability has been one of our biggest strengths this cycle,” said the Singapore Womens Coach.

In terms of expectations, he added, “Our first priority is to improve on our performances from the Asian Series. We’ve taken clear lessons from those outings, and we want to show that growth. And of course, we are aiming for gold. That’s the standard we’re holding ourselves to.”

8 players in the squad are from one club – BAC Bears.

Singapore Women at the SEA 7s 2025 at Singapore National Stadium

Paul Tietjens added, “The Women travelled to Thailand for a training camp designed to simulate both training and match conditions we will face come mid-December. We played 4 games against a mix of the Thai national team and their development side, which gave us exactly the type of quality sessions and competitive exposure we were looking for heading into a major games.

Overall, we’re happy with the progress in both squads. The players have worked extremely hard and we feel well-prepared heading into the SEA Games.”

In terms of having Rugby 7s back at the SEA Games, he explained, “We’re definitely excited to have Rugby 7s back at the SEA Games after being away since 2019. It’s something the whole rugby community in Singapore looks forward to.

The SEA Games is a major platform—it gives us the chance to compete against the best teams in the region, and it also offers great visibility for the sport. Having it back on the calendar helps us grow the women’s game locally, inspire new players, and continue building our participation base and interest in rugby.”

• Victoria Chew (Captain)
• Sam Teo
• Beverly Lim
• Sabrina Azmi
• Pazel Poh
• Amanda Ng
• Felicia Teoh
• Lily Sim
• Nicole Tan
• Hui Min
• Pei Yi
• Jayne Chan
• Liyana Long

Malaysia Women

The Malaysian women finished 8th in the ARESS 2025, just ahead of Singapore. In 2019, they won bronze in Rugby 7s and will be ones to watch.

Philippines Women

The Philippines women were silver medal winners when the SEA Games last featured rugby, which was played in the Philippines. They have yo-yoed between the Asia Rugby Trophy and the top-tier Sevens Series in recent seasons.

Hong Kong-based Samantha Scott has been the head coach for the Philippines women’s team for the past two seasons of Asia Rugby Sevens Series events. They have also brought in USA 7s and Olympic bronze medalist Alena Olson as a mentor and Assistant Coach to help prepare them for the SEA Games, as well as Tommy Gilbert.

Loramhel Mateo plays with the USRC Tigers in the Hong Kong Prem and is the co-founder of the Magandaquins.

PRFU President Ada Milby commented: “The women are aiming to return to the gold medal match, but there is a real sense of purpose across both squads.”

Mateo, Sales, Legaspi, Lyden, Puig, Torio, Nazareno, and Cifuentes were all in the squad that played the second leg of the ARESS in Colombo earlier this year, and some were in the side which won silver six years ago at the SEA Games.

• Lauryn Madrigal Nazareno
• Sylvia Selfaison Tudoc
• Patricia Mae Mangahas
• Nicole Catamora Kovanen
• Naomi Lynn Pandaw Carrillo
• Bhea De Guzman Estacio
• Rassiel Adonis Sales
• Janin Lara Puig
• Jacquiline Mae Rodriguez Lyden
• Mariah Jasmine Pielago Torio
• Vanessa Emily Hachiles Cifuentes
• Loramhel Monique Marie Balongoy Mateo
• Erica Mae Dizon Legaspi

Photo Credit PRFU

Indonesia Women

So much depends on which team Indonesia sends to the SEA Games. They have in the past been competitive, but were poor in this year’s Asia Rugby Sevens Series, finishing bottom and relegated to the Trophy 7s. In 2019, they narrowly lost out on a bronze, losing 12-19 to Malaysia.

Men’s Teams – SEA Games 2025

Philippines Men

The defending champions will be keen to aim for silverware, but much will depend on the squad selected. When they have their overseas-based players in the mix, they are a better quality team with players competing in good leagues in Europe, NZ, Australia and in the US.

Former NZ Women’s 7s and 15s Head Coach (a 2 x RWC winner), Darryl Suasua, is the Head Coach, and the former PRFU GM, Jake Letts, is the Assistant Coach.

The PRFU President said of both squads’ preparation, “Our preparations for the SEA Games have been extremely focused, and the coaches have shared that this is the strongest and most connected group we’ve had all year. The men are looking to defend their gold medal in Thailand.”

The squad includes a few players who play their club trade in the Hong Kong Premiership – captain Kai Stroem for HKFC and Rob Fogerty and Charles Warren for Valley RFC.  The squad has experience from the recent ARESS 2025 Series, while Stephenson, Coleman, and Smith were all part of the team that won gold in 2019.

• Robert John Luceno Fogerty
• Ned Ralph Plarizan Stephenson
• Rafael Enriquez Julian Phillips
• Charles Michael Amistozo Warren
• Raphael Jose Pierre Concepcion Barberis
• Donald Keith Canon Coleman
• Michael Moses Gomez Blatteis
• Harrison Philip Carceller Blake
• Edlen Gil Robert Cortez Hernandez
• Kai Kristian Ledesma Stroem
• Luc Steffan Villalba Smith
• Nicholas Gaffud Robertson
• Jerome Lloyd Loomes Rudder

Photo Credit PRFU

Singapore Men

Paul Tietjens signed on for Singapore at the start of 2025 on a multi-year deal as Head Coach, and he has already overseen them in the SEA 7s, the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, and the recently held SCC 7s where the team won the Bowl trophy.

Tietjens told Rugby Asia 247: “We are feeling really positive about our preparations. For the Men, we ran an internal training camp in Singapore that coincided with the Singapore Cricket Club 7’s Tournament. That gave us valuable opportunities to build key combinations and, more importantly, for players to get valuable minutes under their belt against a variety of competitive oppositions.

It was also special to play at home in front of family and friends, and that kind of environment exposes players to different types of pressure that are important heading into a major tournament.”

Of having Rugby 7s back in the SEA Games, he added, “We’re incredibly grateful to have Rugby 7’s back at the SEA Games. While the SEA Games happens every two years, Rugby 7’s isn’t always included, and this time it’s been six years since the sport last featured.

To have the opportunity to represent Singapore again on this stage means a lot to everyone involved. Wearing the national jersey with the flag on our chest is the biggest honour we have. We’re humbled, proud, and grateful to be able to compete for our country. The chance to express ourselves and our brand of 7’s rugby on the international stage is something we never take for granted, and the opportunity to create history for Singapore is incredibly special. It’s a privilege to be part of,” said Paul Tietjens.

• Maurice Rice (Co-Captain)
• Charlie Teng (Co-Captain)
• Sean Andriesz
• Gideon Kee
• Julian Leow
• Daryl Liau
• Farhan Amran
• Jamian
• Marah Ishraf
• Bao Yuan
• Sam Koh
• Jonathan wong
• Hidayat Yat

Thailand Men

The Thai Rugby Union have set a goal of a medal, and not just any medal, but a gold. They did well in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, finishing 6th overall – which is the highest of the Men’s teams competing at the SEA Games. At the previous 2019 SEA Games, they were bronze winners, narrowly beating Singapore to the medal.

Selected Thai Men’s player Kerdkao Wechokittikorn recently appeared on the Netflix Physical Asia show.

Malaysia Men

The Malaysian men finished 7th in the ARESS 2025, just ahead of Singapore but behind Thailand. At the last SEA Games to include rugby 7s, they were runners-up to the Philippines, losing the final 0-19 to claim silver. They were gold-medal winners when it was hosted in Kuala Lumpur in 2017.

Head Coach Nik Zain said that the format is more challenging, while the Malaysia Rugby President, Amir Amri Mohammad, has set them the goal of winning gold in Bangkok, but said, “Singapore have been preparing for the past two years, and Thailand is another of our main rivals.”

He was less complimentary of the Philippines, reportedly saying, “The Philippines are expected to rope in 11 heritage players from New Zealand” (which is untrue but may have been said in jest).

Lao Men

Former Irish international player Anna Caplice has been coaching the LRF National 7s team for the SEA Games. In 2019, the Laotian men finished 6th in Rugby 7s at the SEA Games.

Seven of the selected players come from Vientiane Tigers Rugby Club.

How To Watch The SEA Games 2025 Rugby 7s?

Information to be confirmed for broadcast and streaming. Fans can attend the matches for free.

Rugby 7s News

• What is Next – Asian Sevens National Teams & Tournaments 2025.
• Japan Sakura 7s and Hong Kong China Men Win Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2025.
• 2026 HSBC SVNS Series Dates and Venues Confirmed.
• New York To Host 2026 US Leg of HSBC SVNS.