Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series kicks off in Suzhou with 12 nations chasing continental glory

The Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026 (ARESS) opens its first leg this weekend in Suzhou, China, with 12 teams in both the men’s and women’s tournaments descending on the Jiangsu province city west of Shanghai for two days of competition.

Combined log points across both legs will determine the overall standings, with the second leg scheduled for Colombo, Sri Lanka in October. The two sides finishing bottom of each respective table face relegation.

Defending men’s champions Hong Kong China arrive as the team to beat, chasing a sixth title. Head coach Jevon Groves has used the build-up period to broaden his squad, drawing on players returning from Hong Kong’s fifteens programme. “Part of the weekend is giving boys an opportunity, the guys who haven’t had many chances this year,” Groves told RugbyAsia 24/7. “We’re looking for that performance and how the group connects because some of them haven’t been involved for a while because of the fifteens.”

Groves added that the return of senior players from a demanding summer campaign was a significant boost. “It’s great to have them back; you can see that they looked after themselves, knowing that they’ve had to come into this tough Asian Games bloc now. There are some real senior players there, players of maturity and calmness in the way that they bring that leadership into the squad.”

Hong Kong China are placed in Pool A alongside Thailand and a rebuilding Malaysia, who are joined by Uzbekistan. Pool B brings together Japan — runners-up at the Melrose Claymore and a side with ambitions of reaching the SVNS world series — with the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and newly promoted India. Singapore arrive with momentum after claiming bronze at the 2025 SEA Games Sevens, while India, coached by former France Sevens star Paul Albaladejo and bolstered by Rugby Premier League talent, are tipped to cause problems.

Pool C features hosts China alongside Sri Lanka, who won the inaugural CASA Sevens in Tashkent and are considered a dark-horse threat in the men’s draw. Kazakhstan, the other newly promoted side, complete the field.

The women’s tournament runs concurrently, with the same two-leg format and relegation stakes applying across both competitions.