Stage set for Asia Rugby U20 Sevens

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 19: The stage for the Asia Rugby U20 Sevens has been all set, said Nepal Rugby Association on Friday. 

Organising a press meet in Kathmandu, Association said all the preparation for the men’s and women’s tournaments has been completed.

Organized by Asia Rugby and managed by Nepal Rugby Association, the tournament will be held on Saturday and Sunday at Dasharath Stadium, Tripureshwor. 

This is the second time Nepal is hosting a rugby tournament. Last year, Nepal hosted the U18 Sevens.

Along with Nepal, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are participating in the men’s side of the Asian U20 Rugby Sevens. 

On the women’s side, Nepal, Thailand, Hong Kong and Malaysia will compete. The women’s side will compete in round robin league. 

Nepal will take on India in the inaugural match of the men’s category. Nepali will meet Hong Kong to open its challenge in the women’s category.

Men’s side will be divided into two groups and will compete on league-cum-knock out basis.  

There are nearly 200 players and 25 referees and officials in the competition. The association informed that Asia Rugby President Qais Abdulla Al Dhalai and match officials have arrived in Kathmandu. 

The winning team will bag the Asia rugby trophy. The budget for the event is estimated at around Rs 7.2 million. The winner of the tournament will lift the Asia Rugby Trophy. 

Coached by Sri Lankan Bijelath Sen, Nepal aims to give their best shot at the tournament. Nepal’s both men’s and women’s teams trained for one and a half months in a closed camp in Pokhara.