Pro rugby takes massive step forward in Asia with announcement of Grand League
Thursday marked a big step forward for rugby in Asia with the local federation announcing a new pan-Asia competition set to kick off in 2024.
Eight clubs from around Asia will compete in the first edition of the newly conceived Grand League, with the competition set to expand further in the years following.
While teams for the Grand League have not yet been confirmed, it’s anticipated that the likes of Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines could all take part in the new tournament.
“Council was briefed [at the latest general meeting] 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,” Asia Rugby said in a statement.
“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.”
Asia Rugby president Qais Al Dhalai – who was also confirmed as the continent’s new World Rugby council member at the meeting – suggested on Twitter that the intention was to ostensibly mimic the developments that have occurred in South America, in part thanks to the introduction of the Super Liga Americana de Rugby.
The SLAR has seen franchises from across South America go to battle over the past three years, with two expansion sides from North America set to join the competition in 2023.
#ARGL franchise-oriented clubs competition starting from 2024
Thank you @SLARugby and @pinopuca for leading the way! Asia is coming to join forces with @sudamericarugby ! pic.twitter.com/gr8etaogMT
— Qais A. Al Dhalai (@QaisUAE) December 15, 2022
South American rugby has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons, with three sides from the continent set to compete at next year’s Rugby World Cup: Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. While the progress in Uruguay and Chile, in particular, had been steady prior to the conception of SLAR, the new competition has undoubtedly helped to fast-track both nations’ development in the Test arena.
Only one side from Asia has ever featured at the World Cup, fan-favourites Japan.
Hong Kong competed at the most recent final qualifier tournament against the likes of Portugal, USA and Kenya, but was hugely outclassed by their opposition. A cumulative -155 points differential over three games made for disappointing viewing for fans of the game in Asia, but the new Grand League could help to significantly grow the game in the world’s most populated continent.
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There are many things we do in life that are not perfectly safe. As long as people have the information, I don't see what the issue is? Frankly, I always thought the fact that certain sports, rugby, American football, ice hockey carried a degree of danger was pretty obvious. It seems like common sense that hitting your head is unhealthy. For children, put all the safety measures you can think of in the game. Personally, I wouldn't let my son play rugby or American football. He's getting into ice hockey and I'm a bit nervous about that. But for full grown adults, people have to be allowed to take risks. The game will never be totally safe, and maybe that's okay.
Go to commentsFish food . In the semis the two winners from A and B play the 2 winners from C and D . In other words in the semis it switches . Your comment is incorrect . Ireland and France can face each other in the final .
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