What Is 2016 Asia Rugby Sevens Series

Overview

The 2016 Asia Rugby Sevens Series marked the eighth edition of the continental men's rugby sevens competition, organized by Asia Rugby to promote the sport across the region. It featured a three-tournament circuit held across East and South Asia, serving as both a competitive platform and a qualifying route for global events.

With ten national teams competing, the series emphasized development and regional rivalry, culminating in Japan securing the overall title. The events drew strong regional interest and provided vital exposure for emerging rugby nations.

• Three legs were hosted in Hong Kong, Incheon (South Korea), and Colombo (Sri Lanka), each lasting two days between September and October 2016.
• Japan emerged as champions with 80 points, winning two legs and finishing second in the third, showcasing consistent high-level performance.
• South Korea finished second overall with 72 points, winning one leg and demonstrating strong home advantage in Incheon.
• Host nations included Hong Kong, South Korea, and Sri Lanka, each contributing to regional growth through local fan engagement and infrastructure use.
• Participating teams included Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, China, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Chinese Taipei.

How It Works

The Asia Rugby Sevens Series operates as a cumulative points-based competition across multiple tournament stops, with teams earning rankings based on final placements. The scoring system rewards consistency, making each leg crucial for the overall title.

• Points System: Teams earned points based on final standings—20 for first, 16 for second, down to 2 for 10th place, influencing the overall leaderboard.
• Tournament Format: Each leg used a pool stage followed by knockout rounds, ensuring at least five matches per team and maximizing competitive exposure.
• Player Eligibility: National unions fielded squads of 12 players, with up to five changes allowed between tournaments to manage fatigue and development.
• Qualification Pathway: The series doubled as a regional qualifier for the 2017 Rugby World Cup Sevens, with top teams advancing to global contention.
• Refereeing Standards: Matches were officiated by certified Asia Rugby referees, with video review used selectively to ensure fairness and consistency.
• Development Focus: Emerging nations received support through training programs and match experience, aligning with Asia Rugby’s long-term growth strategy.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the three legs in the 2016 series by location, date, winner, and points awarded:

The table highlights Japan’s dominance through consistent top finishes, while South Korea’s home victory kept the title race competitive. Sri Lanka’s hosting of the final leg underscored the tournament’s geographic diversity and developmental reach across Asia.

Why It Matters

The 2016 series played a pivotal role in advancing rugby sevens in Asia, offering competitive structure and global qualification opportunities. It helped unify regional efforts and spotlighted rising talent ahead of international events.

• Regional Development: The series strengthened rugby infrastructure in smaller nations like the Philippines and Thailand through regular high-level competition.
• World Cup Qualification: Top performers earned spots in the 2017 Rugby World Cup Sevens, raising stakes and visibility for Asian teams.
• Youth Engagement: Exposure from televised matches inspired youth participation, especially in Japan and South Korea where rugby is growing.
• Gender Parity Progress: While this was a men’s event, it supported parallel women’s series development within Asia Rugby’s strategic framework.
• Economic Impact: Host cities saw tourism and local business benefits from visiting teams and fans during tournament weekends.
• Global Recognition: Strong performances elevated Asia’s standing in World Rugby rankings, influencing future tournament seeding and funding allocations.

By combining sport, development, and international access, the 2016 Asia Rugby Sevens Series reinforced rugby’s expanding footprint across the continent.