Emirates partners with Asia Rugby to expand sport across 36 countries

Emirates has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding rugby's footprint across Asia by announcing a multi-year partnership as the Title Sponsor of Asia Rugby. This collaboration aims to broaden the sport's appeal and reach untapped markets across 36 countries. As part of this sponsorship, Emirates will help fund and promote various 7s and 15s series tournaments, including the Asia Rugby Championships.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, expressed the airline's dedication to supporting rugby at all levels. "Emirates has a long history of supporting rugby, from global tournaments to grassroots initiatives. We are particularly proud to partner with Asia Rugby to introduce the sport to new markets and nurture the next generation of athletes," Clark said.
His Excellency Qais Al-Dhalai, President of Asia Rugby, praised the partnership, calling it a "milestone" for rugby in the region. He added: "With Emirates' backing, we are poised to bring the excitement and values of rugby to a new generation of athletes and fans. This collaboration will help empower players, strengthen the talent pipeline, and build a passionate fan base that will sustain the sport's growth for years to come."
Under the agreement, Emirates will serve as the title sponsor for key competitions, including the Asia Rugby Men’s and Women’s Championships, the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, and other age-group tournaments. These events serve as qualifiers for premier global competitions such as the Rugby World Cup, the Olympic Games, and the HSBC SVNS Series.
Emirates’ branding will be prominently featured across 21 different tournaments over the next three years, starting with the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series Men’s and Women’s Round 2, which kicks off on 21 September 2024 in Hangzhou, China.

Asia Rugby, headquartered in Dubai, represents 36 member unions, including countries like China, India, Japan, and Sri Lanka. With Asia home to 60% of the world's population and a significant youth demographic, the partnership between Emirates and Asia Rugby aligns with their shared goal of fostering new talent and expanding the sport's appeal across the region.
Globally, Emirates has been a major supporter of rugby, sponsoring the Rugby World Cup since 2007, the Emirates Dubai 7s, and numerous other events and teams. The airline also sponsors the jerseys of World Rugby's Match Officials.
This new partnership is set to further elevate rugby's profile across Asia, nurturing future stars and deepening the sport's connection with local communities.