Doha, 2 November 2023 - The Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy for men's and women's will kick off on Friday. Organized by the Qatar Rugby and Hockey Committee at Al Ersal pitch in Onazia, the two-day trophy will see all group stage matches for the men's and women's categories staged tomorrow, while the final rounds of the competition held on Saturday.
The event's champion in the men's and women's categories qualifies to the Asian Series competitions that will be held next year and qualify for the 2027 Rugby Sevens World Cup.
A record number of teams will participate in the tournament for the first time in Doha. 22 teams, 15 men's teams and 7 women's teams, will be split into two groups.
In the men's category, Qatar team was drawn in the second group alongside the teams of Thailand, Iran, Jordan, India, Iraq, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. The first group included Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
As for the women's category, the draw placed Qatar team in the second group alongside the UAE, Iran, and Uzbekistan, while the first group were India, Guam, and Mongolia.
Qatar men's team includes 13 players in preparation for the Asian challenge led by South African coach Warren Abrahams.
Qatar women's team is 14 players led by Tunisian coach Ikhlas Abida.
Headed by Secretary General of the Qatar Rugby and Hockey Committee Abdullah Aman Al Khater, the tournament's organizing committee has completed all preparations for the launch of this important Asian event.
