Asia Rugby's Try Together Program Expands to Empower More Unions
Support for grassroots rugby in Asia grows as Asia Rugby enhances its Try Together Program with ten member unions.
A Boost for Grassroots Rugby
Asia Rugby has taken a significant step forward in nurturing grassroots rugby with its revitalized Try Together Program. Welcoming ten Member Unions into its 2026 cycle, the initiative, supported by Emirates, aims to foster development and create more opportunities for players and coaches throughout the continent.
Building on Success
This enhancement builds upon the success of the inaugural cycle launched in 2025. The new phase will see 28 development projects initiated across various countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Jordan, Lebanon, Macau, Nepal, Palestine, Sri Lanka, and Syria.
The focus of these projects will be on increasing grassroots participation, promoting women's and girls' rugby, developing domestic competitions, and enhancing education and training programs. By providing financial support and expert guidance, the Try Together Program serves as a crucial tool for Member Unions to achieve their sporting aspirations.
Initial Launch and Achievements
Ratified by the Asia Rugby Council in late 2024, the Try Together Program made its official debut in Mumbai on June 28, 2025. It began with participation from six founding unions: Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Macau.
The first cycle encompassed 27 distinct projects, reaching an approximate total of 2,830 participants. Early results reveal substantial progress, with various unions successfully implementing initiatives that cater to different levels of the sport.
For example, Bangladesh organized the Try Together Under-16 Sevens School Rugby Tournament, featuring 16 teams from 11 schools, showcasing both boys' and girls' competitions in Dhaka. Additionally, Cambodia made a strong return to regional competitions after a three-year break, aided by preparations for national team tournaments. Meanwhile, Macau hosted coaching and officiating courses alongside a touch competition that engaged 19 teams, and Brunei expanded rugby opportunities for university students through its IPT Rugby Tournament.
Future Directions and Project Plans
The expansion for 2026 presents an exciting opportunity for even more Member Unions to customize their projects based on local needs. Noteworthy initiatives include Nepal's plan to introduce rugby to 35-40 schools and Sri Lanka's aim to enhance girls' rugby participation across seven provinces.
As the participating unions work collectively, the shared vision is to cultivate stronger foundations for rugby, providing enhanced playing opportunities, improved access to education, and crafted pathways linking grassroots efforts to both domestic and international competitions.
Qais Al Dhalai, President of Asia Rugby, emphasized, “The Try Together Program showcases our dedication to ensuring that every developing rugby union has the chance to grow. We are heavily invested in projects and the future of our sport, encouraging a more inclusive rugby culture across Asia.”
Measurable Outcomes and Accountability
The 2026 initiative introduces a robust framework for project planning and evaluation, accompanied by clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that cover areas like participation rates, player retention, workforce education, and overall player welfare.
Each participating union will adhere to set targets, supported by systematic reporting and guidance from Asia Rugby. This framework will enhance the tracking of progress, allowing for the identification of obstacles and the assessment of each project's impact.
Benjamin van Rooyen, CEO of Asia Rugby, stated, “The addition of ten unions underscores our commitment to sustainable development. By establishing clear KPIs and accountability measures, we ensure that investment creates meaningful and lasting effects for our Member Unions.”
With Emirates backing this initiative, the Try Together Program propels Asia Rugby's vision of forming a diverse and sustainable rugby community, paving the way for more youth to engage with the sport and seize opportunities to play at various levels.