The Asian Five Nations
Flying High: Asia all set for a new international tournament
The International Rugby Board (IRB) has confirmed the introduction of a major international Tournament to the rugby calendar in April, the HSBC Asian Five Nations.
The IRB-supported competition, which will involve Japan, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Korea and the Arabian Gulf, will play an important role in the ongoing development of the game across the region.
The IRB is funding the tournament to the tune of US$500,000 and represents the complete restructuring of competition structures in Asia by the region's governing body, the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU).
"The Asian Five Nations will be the flagship tournament for Asia, serving to promote and raise awareness of the game in the region at all levels, while also providing a competitive competition and development structure for all participating unions," said IRB Head of Rugby Services Mark Egan.
"It is certainly an exciting development for the game in a region that offers significant potential for growth.
"In addition to providing annual competition for each Union, the Tournament will serve to provide the platform as an ongoing development tool for players, officials and administrators with an ultimate goal of providing a pathway for entry into world class competitions such as Rugby World Cup."
The Tournament will feature a round robin format with Test matches held on five consecutive weekends throughout April and May 2008.
A strong commercial programme, including a major sponsor and television coverage, has also been confirmed.
"The ARFU has secured a significant title sponsorship deal with HSBC for the Tournament, which underlines the increasing appetite for the Game in Asia. Enhanced television deals for the Asian market was a feature of record Rugby World Cup broadcast coverage and comprehensive coverage of the Asian Five Nations on television will ensure continued widespread exposure across Asia and into IRB targeted growth markets such as China and India," added Egan.