Background
The Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) tournament is the pinnacle of four newly formed tiers of elite competition across all 25 Asian rugby unions with promotion and relegation opportunities between divisions for all participating teams.
On 21 February 2008, the International Rugby Board (IRB) confirmed the introduction of this major international tournament to the rugby calendar in April. The IRB-supported competition, which initially comprised Japan, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Korea and the Arabian Gulf Rugby Team, kick-started the ongoing development of the game across the region.
The IRB is committed to increasing global playing standards and the tournament, which has received funding in the form of a US$500,000 IRB grant, represents the pinnacle of a complete restructuring of competition in Asia by the Region’s governing body, the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU).
The tournament is considered vital for the development and expansion of rugby throughout Asia and gives Asian elite players the chance to perform in front of a significantly expanded TV audience, whilst providing a platform for development at all other levels.
The last-placed team in the Asian Five Nations is relegated to the Division I competition in the next year and the top team in Division I gains promotion to the Asian Five Nations. The promotion and relegation policy is also in effect for the Division I and Division II competitions, guaranteeing an opportunity for all unions to advance on the world stage.
With the 2010 Asian Five Nations tournament serving as the qualifying tournament for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the promotion and relegation system meant that the 2008 Division I and Division II seasons (along with the 2009 Division I season) was also be part of Rugby World Cup qualifying.
In 2008, Division I competition was played amongst China, Chinese Taipei, Singapore and Sri Lanka. The Division II competition was contested by India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Thailand. Four regional competitions was also played. The first was played in Indonesia and featured Cambodia, Indonesia and Laos; the second tournament was held in Guam between Brunei, Guam and the Philippines; the third tournament was in Qatar, played between Qatar, Mongolia and Macau; Kyrgyzstan hosted the final regional competition with Iran, Uzbekistan and themselves in the frame.
Read more about this topic: Asian Five Nations
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