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UAE rugby teams step up preparations for Asia Sevens Series

August 17, 2026 / 6:35 PM
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Sharjah 24: The UAE men’s and women’s national rugby teams are deep into intensive preparations for the opening round of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026, which is scheduled to take place in Suzhou, China, on August 29 and 30, bringing together the continent's elite squads.

Training camps in Al Ain and Dubai

The men's squad has been holding its training camp in Al Ain under the direction of British coach Jacques Benade, while the women's team is conducting its sessions at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai guided by Kenyan coach Philadelphia Olando, with both programs focusing on maximizing physical readiness and tactical synergy before departure.

Key preparation for Asian Games

As the premier annual regional competition, this tournament also serves as a vital stepping stone toward the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, this coming October, ensuring high stakes for all competing nations.

12 teams to compete in each division

The opening round will feature 12 teams in both divisions, with the men's lineup comprising the UAE, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Kazakhstan, India, and Uzbekistan, and the women's lineup featuring the UAE, Japan, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, and Iran.

Colombo to host final round

Following the Suzhou opener, the second and final round of the series will be hosted in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on October 17 and 18, where the ultimate continental champions will be crowned.

UAE Rugby Federation targets strong results

Mohamed Sultan Al Zaabi, Secretary-General of the UAE Rugby Federation, underscored the importance of these rigorous preparation tracks, emphasizing that the federation has provided optimal conditions for both squads to compete at the highest level.

"Our ambition is not limited to mere participation; rather, we strive to achieve positive results that reflect the development of rugby in the UAE," Al Zaabi stated, expressing full confidence in the players' abilities to deliver honorable performances and gain valuable continental experience.

 

August 17, 2026 / 6:35 PM

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