It might seem like a small change, but Asia Rugby’s announcement of a new naming structure for all of their tournaments is a massive step towards gender equity awareness.

From 1 July 2019 onwards, each Asia Ruby tournament will be specifically named either a Men’s or Women’s competition. For example the existing Asia Rugby Championship will now become the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship, sitting alongside the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship.

In addition, the Asia Rugby Sevens Series will now become the Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens Series, played across three rounds alongside the Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.

The move is aimed to further emphasise the equal nature of both men and women in Asia and in Asian rugby.

Asia Rugby EXCO member Ada Milby spoke about the importance of this announcement. “This is an announcement that highlights where we are as a region. We felt that as part of the efforts to promote gender equity, it was an easy decision to provide parity in the naming structure for our competitions, said Milby. “We’re really proud to be the first regional association to make this announcement.”

EXCO member Herman Huang of Chinese Taipei added “In Asia Rugby gender inclusion is a priority.” Almost 40% of the region’s players are female and rugby’s popularity in Asia is still growing.

The decision that was approved by Asia Rugby EXCO and Council during the meetings in Chinese Taipei where the word Championship was dropped from all but the top level of men’s and women’s competitions.

Full Competition Naming Structure From 1 July

The Asia Rugby Women’s Championship
The Asia Rugby Men’s Championship
Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens Series
Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Series
Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens Trophy
Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Trophy

Asia Rugby Women’s 7s Qualification Tournament for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo in 2020
Asia Rugby Men’s 7s Qualification Tournament for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo in 2020

Asia Rugby Under 20 Men’s Sevens
Asia Rugby Under 20 Women’s Sevens
Asia Rugby Under 18 Boys Sevens
Asia Rugby Under 18 Girls Sevens
The Asia Rugby Under 19 Men’s Championship
Asia Rugby Under 19 Men’s Division 1 and 2
Asia Rugby Women’s Divisions 1 and 2
Asia Rugby Men’s Divisions 1, 2 and 3

Additional reporting and images: Asia Rugby