Asian nations develop strategic plan to build domestic growth

Asia Pacific Rugby League (APRL) has announced the development of a four-year strategic plan aimed at enabling nations within the region to focus on building sustainability and domestic growth.

 

The strategic plan includes staging the Asian Rugby League Championship as a biennial event, with the tournament scheduled to be held in the Philippines in November 2026 to be deferred until 2027.

 

The decision follows a series of meetings between the Asian Rugby League nations and the formulation of the Strategic Plan, which places a strong emphasis on the long-term development and sustainability of Rugby League throughout Asia.

 

Key priorities include the development of:

The Asian Rugby League nations agreed that placing greater focus on domestic development will provide a stronger foundation for the future growth of the game across the region.

 

Asia Pacific Rugby League Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Edwards said the decision demonstrated the commitment of the Asian nations to building a sustainable future for Rugby League.

 

“I am extremely excited to see the Asian nations placing such a strong focus on domestic development and ensuring that Rugby League within each country has a sustainable future.

 

“International competitions are important, but the long-term success of Rugby League in Asia will ultimately be built through strong domestic competitions, quality coaching and refereeing, junior pathways and effective governance.

 

“I am also very pleased that the Asian nations have agreed that the Asian Rugby League Championship will return in 2027 and then be played on a two-year rotation. This provides the nations with the opportunity to focus on their domestic programs while also having a clear international competition pathway.”

 

The 2027 Asian Rugby League Championship will provide an important international platform for the participating nations and will form part of the region's broader development strategy.

Photo: Singapore celebrate last year's Asian Rugby League Championship win.  

Philippines National Rugby League President Rey Nery said: “We, the Philippine National Rugby League, are supportive of the decision to move the Asian Championships to 2027 and recognise the importance of taking a long-term approach to the continued development of Rugby League across Asia.

 

"The additional time will provide all participating nations with a valuable opportunity to strengthen domestic activities and prepare a more competitive national team for the 2027 tournament.

 

"The postponement will also allow the Philippine National Rugby League to focus on progressing its IRL Affiliate membership upgrade, which had been stalled due to conflicting priorities and on which some of our strategic goals depend.

 

"We also support the vision of establishing the Asian Championships as a sustainable biennial event that can continue to grow in profile, quality, and regional significance over time. The Philippine National Rugby League remains committed to working collaboratively with all nations and stakeholders to help build towards a successful and competitive Asian Championships in 2027”.

 

Hong Kong Rugby League President Jason Yip said: "Hong Kong Rugby League fully supports the transition of the Asian Championships to a biennial model starting in 2027. This timeline provides all member nations with the dedicated space needed to build sustainable domestic competitions, expand local participation, and elevate the standard of Rugby League across Asia. We look forward to working closely with our regional partners and fielding a strong Hong Kong team in 2027".

 

The inaugural Asia Rugby League Championship in the Philippines last year was won by Singapore, who have recently launched their domestic competition.

 

Singapore National Rugby League President Tony Marshall said: "The SGNRL are supportive of the revised timing of the Asian Championships. We have just kicked off our inaugural domestic season, and rugby league is building something special here in Singapore.

 

"The extra runway to 2027 gives us the perfect opportunity to strengthen both our club and national programs, and we look forward to returning to the Asian Championship as a stronger, deeper and more competitive nation to defend our title."

 

APRL will continue to work closely with the Asian Rugby League nations over the coming year to support the implementation of the strategic plan and prepare for the 2027 Asian Rugby League Championship.