The Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) was founded in 1968. It comprised of Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Its purpose was to provide international competition between its members by staging a biannual tournament. The Asian Rugby Football Tournament (ARFT) was established in 1969. It is the second oldest established international rugby tournament in the World. It currently continues as the A5N. The growth of rugby in Asia is reflected in the increase of ARFU members, tournaments, events and activities.
Present position
In 2010 ARFU comprises 28 members. These members actively participate in annual and semi-annual council meetings. Four ‘working’ committees support the ARFU Council to oversee Rugby in Asia. ARFU organizes and manages five major tournaments for Men, Women and Youth. ARFU continues to explore new opportunities to develop rugby in Asia. The marquee event in ARFU, is the Asian 5 Nations (A5N). This event has shown the success and potential of Rugby in Asia.
Opportunities for Rugby in Asia
The Asian Region comprises some 60% of the world’s population. It is estimated that 80% of the world’s youth is here. However, in 2010 the Region comprised only 12% of the world’s rugby playing population. With the RWC coming to Japan in 2019 there now exists a tremendous opportunity to raise awareness and promote the Game throughout the Region.