– Asia Rugby has today confirmed postponement of Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2021 by 4 months
– Approved budget of nearly USD 50,000 surged by 100%
– Continental governing body intensively discusses all viable options
– Postponement offers a breather to gauge new potential sponsors
– March 2022 playing window ensures more men and women teams join
Upon concluding various meetings during the last five days including the Competitions Committee alongside the Administration and Finance Committee, today Asia Rugby Executive Committee has unanimously decided to postpone the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on 26th and 27th November 2021 to new dates during March 2022.
A statement from Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai says: “While the decision is extremely disappointing for teams and rugby fraternity, it has all the right reasons at heart and we will ensure a better version of the Sevens Trophy is staged in March 2022”.
Al Dhalai said: “While we all grateful to the United Arab Emirates Rugby Federation that has offered to host the event resulted from all countries having their own COVID19 travel restrictions, Asia Rugby assures all member unions and fans across the continent that the Sevens Trophy in March 2022 will be the greatest edition ever in Asia history”
He added: “The decision was taken based on the continuous evolving operational costs associated with staging the tournament in Dubai due to massive mega-events taking place at the same time in the city which has led to all budget aspects to increase within the range from 70% to 100% making it a tough call for the regional body and member unions collectively”
Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2021 draw has featured 9 men teams Afghanistan China, Nepal, India, Uzbekistan, Kyrgystan, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei and Kazakhstan into 3 pools with 4 women teams of India, Nepal, Uzbekistan and China playing Round Robin, however, it is inspired with the event being postponed to March 2022 to have more Asian teams joining the tournament next year and more countries ease their travelling conditions.
