What Is 2018 Asia Rugby Sevens Series

Overview

The 2018 Asia Rugby Sevens Series was the premier men's rugby sevens competition in Asia for that year, organized by Asia Rugby to determine the continent's top sevens side. It featured a three-leg format held across key Asian cities, drawing national teams aiming to boost their world rankings and qualify for global tournaments.

The series played a crucial role in developing rugby across the region, offering competitive matches for both elite and emerging nations. With Japan dominating the season, the event highlighted growing regional competitiveness and served as a platform for player development.

• Three legs were held in 2018: Hong Kong (September 15–16), Incheon, South Korea (September 22–23), and Colombo, Sri Lanka (October 13–14), forming a compact regional circuit.
• Twelve teams participated in each leg, split into four pools of three, with advancement based on pool standings and subsequent knockout rounds.
• Japan won all three legs decisively, becoming the first team to sweep the series since its reformatting in recent years, showcasing their regional dominance.
• Points system awarded 20 for first place, 16 for second, 14 for third, and so on, with cumulative scores determining the overall champion after the final leg.
• Qualification pathway: The series results contributed to seeding and qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup Sevens, making it strategically vital for national programs.

How It Works

The Asia Rugby Sevens Series operates as a seasonal circuit where national teams earn points across multiple tournaments to determine an overall champion. Each leg follows a standardized format to ensure consistency and fairness in competition.

• Format: Each leg uses a 12-team pool stage with four groups of three; the top two from each pool advance to the Cup quarterfinals, while others enter Plate or Bowl brackets.
• Scoring: Teams earn 3 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and 1 for a loss; bonus points are awarded for scoring four or more tries in a match.
• Advancement: After pool play, teams are seeded into knockout stages: Cup, Plate, and Bowl, ensuring every team plays at least three matches regardless of early results.
• Series Points: Final standings at each leg award series points (20 for 1st, 16 for 2nd, 14 for 3rd, etc.), which are cumulative across all legs to crown the season champion.
• Eligibility: All Asia Rugby member nations can qualify, with automatic entry for top seeds and qualifiers from regional divisions ensuring broad representation.
• Refereeing: Matches are officiated by Asia Rugby-certified referees, with video review used selectively to assist key decisions during knockout stages.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the three legs of the 2018 series by location, winner, runner-up, and points awarded:

The table shows Japan’s complete dominance, securing maximum points across all legs. South Korea emerged as the most consistent challenger, finishing second twice and third once, while China showed improvement with a runner-up finish in Incheon. The geographic spread of the series allowed diverse climates and playing conditions, testing team adaptability.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Asia Rugby Sevens Series was more than a regional competition—it was a catalyst for growth, visibility, and qualification opportunities in Asian rugby. Its structure provided regular high-level competition essential for player development and national team progression.

• Development platform: Emerging nations like Sri Lanka and the Philippines used the series to gain experience against top-tier Asian opposition in high-pressure environments.
• World Cup pathway: Strong performances improved seeding for the 2019 Rugby World Cup Sevens, giving teams better draw chances on the global stage.
• Exposure: Matches were streamed online, increasing visibility for rugby in non-traditional markets and attracting new fans across Asia.
• Talent identification: Coaches and scouts used the series to evaluate players for national squads and regional training programs.
• Competitive balance: While Japan dominated, the narrowing margins between second and third place indicated rising competitiveness in the region.
• Infrastructure growth: Hosting legs in different countries encouraged investment in rugby facilities and event management capabilities.

With Asia Rugby aiming to elevate the continent’s global rugby standing, the 2018 series laid groundwork for future expansion and professionalization. Its success reinforced the value of a structured regional circuit in nurturing talent and building sustainable rugby programs.