Asian rugby

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

There have been a couple of interesting developments lately and there is more to Asia than Japan (as seen by Korea beating a now possibly RWC bound Chile a few years back).

The first development is the creation of a professional Chinese team (as in indigenous Chinese players rather than ex-pats). There are reports that this side, as well as playing in the Chinese domestic championship (which is mainly ex-pats) is exploring options to be integrated at some level in New Zealand domestic rugby, presumably in return for a bundle of cash.

Des discussions en cours pour intégrer la Chine au championnat des provinces néo-zélandaises

Cela est passé inaperçu mais il y a quelques jours, Gou Zhongwen a reçu à Pékin l'ambassadeur de Nouvelle-Zélande en Chine. Celui qui est le directeur de l'administration générale des sports d'État et le président du Comité olympique chinois a discuté avec son homologue des relations entre les...

www.asierugby.com

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

The second, more tenuous development is the suggestion that Korea and Hong Kong might be considered for inclusion in an expanded Japanese club scene, but not before 2025.

League One: Le président Genichi Tamatsuka souhaite intégrer des équipes asiatiques

Dans une interview très récente, Genichi Tamatsuka a balancé une "bombe". Le président de la Japan Rugby League One, société d'exploitation indépendante de la Japan Rugby Football Union en charge de la nouvelle ligue japonaise de rugby, a annoncé que des discussions vont commencer à avoir lieu...

www.asierugby.com

I'd love to see this following the collapse of Global Rapid Rugby. The SLAR and the incredible development of Chile has shown what is possible for a competently run union if they are able to get even a single professional side in a contest against stronger sides/nations.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

"The Sean Penn of Oriental Cinema", Bollywood star Rahul Bose is made president of the Indian union. In fairness to the man he did reportedly play scrum half for India.

Rahul Bose élu président de l'Indian Rugby Football Union

Une nouvelle étape vient d'être franchie en Inde. Rahul Bose a été élu nouveau président de l'Indian Rugby Football Union. Ancien joueur de rugby (1998-2009), ce dernier est aussi connu comme une star du cinéma bollywoodien.Rahul Bose avait travaillé d'arrache-pied pour que gouvernement de...

www.asierugby.com

Rahul Bose - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Could potentially help raise the profile if nothing else.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

The Siberian rugby hotbed of Krasnoyarsk is to host an Asian 7s tournament in August.

https://www.asierugby.com/post/krasno%C ... up-en-2022

I know this will not appeal to all, but I think it is very wise for rugby in the Asian half of Russia to explore what is possible with its Asian neighbours.

It is a shame Siberia hasn't had a warmer reception from Europe (both Tier1 and Tier2), and they should keep trying there. But it does not hurt to explore opportunities and frankly Japan offers a higher level of competition than Tier2 Europe at the moment and the long term commercial opportunities with neighbours such as Japan, China and Korea are pretty sizeable and again may eclipse what is possible in Tier2 Europe.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

I don't think the new Korean league is of the standard to really propel Korean rugby so I am mainly posting this for connoisseurs of rugby logos.

These are fairly subdued compared to the Japanese ones, but i like the one in the top right, and not just because it shows a rugby player wearing gloves.

Post | Asierugby

www.asierugby.com

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

The Asian Rugby Championship reportedly cancelled for the sixth time due to the pandemic. Meaning Korea and Hong Kong haven't had an opportunity to play for about two years. Not ideal preparation given the winner out of HK and Korea is due to have a RWCQ playoff against Tonga around June. Korea also just appointed a new coach this week, so it'll be a baptism of fire for them.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Some stories are worth posting twice. For those who prefer their rugby stories strange (I note no quotations from Leitch though).

Michael Leitch souhaite devenir dans le futur le sélectionneur de la Mongolie

Ce n'est une nouveauté pour personne. Michael Leitch souhaite après la fin de sa carrière de joueur se lancer dans le développement du rugby en Asie avec l'Inde et la Corée du sud par exemple. Mais sa première priorité est pour l'heure la Mongolie.L'international japonais (72 caps) souhaite...

www.asierugby.com

But here is some corroboration from a few years ago. Leitch is an interesting fellow.

Michael Leitch visits Mongolia to unearth rugby potential

Michael Leitch visited Mongolia recently to uncover potential future rugby stars. after being inspired by Mongolian sumo wrestling champions.

www.asiarugby.com

In this next one the last quotes from Leitch actually make me think I'll be taking down my (imaginery) Pirelli swimsuit calendar and replacing it with a Leitch poster. Rugby needs men and women with integrity and consideration like this! It may be time for me to say goodbye to Tomasso Allan. :O

Michael Leitch hands Mongolian youngster the chance to live his dream | World Rugby

Mongolia has made a massive impact on sumo wrestling in Japan and now, through the help of Brave Blossoms captain Michael Leitch, the country has a presence in rugby, too.

www.world.rugby

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

URC chief makes a speculative remark about hosting games in Qatar and maybe helping developing rugby in Qatar.

United Rugby Championship: Anayi keen to establish strong ties with Qatar

United Rugby Championship chief executive Martin Anayi has spoken about taking the first step towards establishing the competition in Qatar.

www.planetrugby.com

 

[Brigantine]

Because hosting in Qatar did great things for FIFA's image

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

More tentative details about Qatar. A planned URC tournament during the knock out rounds of the RWC as some kind if pre-season thing. English clubs appear to have declined an invitation. "Everyone seems pretty excited" by the prospect.

BKT URC plan new cup competition but play down prospect of league games in Qatar or US

Chief executive Martin Anayi thinks exhibition matches, not league fixtures, could go ahead in Middle East country

www.theoffsideline.com

 

[die_mole]

Rugby World Cup will remain out of Hong Kong’s reach without wholesale change

More opportunities to play internationals central to any progression in national team’s ability to reach global tournaments, but the club game in Hong Kong must evolve too.

www.scmp.com

Hong Kong knows it has a lot of work to do. Them and South Korea are looking for ways to improve national team.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Rumours of a professional Asian league being planned for 2024 with the possibility of Korean, Chinese and Indian involvement.

L'Asia Rugby Grand League sera lancée au premier trimestre 2024

Asia Rugby a fait de très grandes annonces aujourd'hui. La première est l'officialisation de l'Asia Rugby Grand League. Copiant le modèle de la SLAR, cette ligue professionnelle de rugby à XV sera lancée en 2024 et se déroulera sur les 2 premiers trimestres.Ce nouveau championnat sera axé sur...

www.asierugby.com

 

[die_mole]

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Council was briefed on the brand new Asia Rugby Grand League, a clubs franchise-oriented competition planned to see lights during quarter one and two in the year 2024. Eight targeted national federations have been identified and will commence constructive collaboration during the first working group meeting scheduled for Friday 3rd February 2023 in Singapore. The concept will be rolled out on phases running from the year 2024 to 2027.

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Asia Rugby voted in Qais Al Dhalai as World Rugby Council Member at an Extraordinary General Meeting

Asia Rugby concluded successfully its End of Year Council Meeting with 35 member unions and over 60 delegates attending virtually.

www.asiarugby.com

we will find out more in February

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Reports of every man and their dog joining a 10 team pro club competition from 2024 onwards. Including Japan and Korea (who by that time will have a domestic pro league). This Japanese source is usually a fairly reliable as bizarre as the suggestion of a league spanning from UAE to the Phillipines sounds.

L'Asia Rugby Grand League va démarrer en 2024 avec au moins 10 franchises

Asia Rugby vient d'annoncer que l'Asia Rugby Grand League, la ligue professionnelle asiatique de rugby à XV, sera lancée avec au moins 10 franchises. La grande surprise est la présence du Japon. Serait-ce le retour des Sunwolves? La concurrence avec la League One fait que ce seront sans doute...

www.asierugby.com

I will believe it when the first match is played.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Some Sri Lankan rugby popped up in my YouTube feed and didn't look too shabby.



In another match I saw a beautiful 50/22 and multiple penalties kicked from their own half. Enthusiastic crowds and players clearly spending time in the gym.

 

[Brigantine]

Qatar, Turkey and Nepal have just shown up on the World Rugby rankings, joining Laos and Iran - who have been on the rankings since June 2021 but are yet to gain or lose any rankings points.

(Turkey plays in Europe, but the growth is in a clear direction. Also joining in 2021 were Burkina Faso, Algeria and Burundi, and at some point Tahiti was removed)

20 countries were scheduled to play in 2023 ARC tournaments, as far as it seems to be published, only 8 actually played. Here's hoping 2024 has a better turnout.