Asian Teams To Keep An Eye On – Emirates Dubai 7s 2024

There are two Asian teams on the SVNS Series 2024-2025, the Japanese Sakura and newly-qualified Chinese women, however, there are also 16 rugby tournaments taking place at the Emirates Stadium from 29 November to 1st December with nearly 250 teams in action, including development squads from Hong Kong China as well as dozens of local club sides and invitational touring sides.

Simon Jelowitz (Head of Sport Operations Emirates Dubai 7s) said via the International tournament handbook, “We have some new initiatives this year, designed to see you through the weekend. We have called these out on the next pages. We are delighted to announce that we will be live-streaming every minute of the Emirates Dubai 7s Invitational Rugby Tournament on the 29th and 30th November and 1st December.”

Japan Sakura SVNS Squad – Emirates Dubai 7s 2024

We heard from sources that a few of the veterans of the Sakura 7s who saw them complete over the last 4-year cycle to the Olympics have opted to focus on XVs rugby with their clubs, and of course, the RWC 2025 takes place next year so players will be trying to force their way into contention.

The Japanese won the final round of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series in Bangkok at the start of the month which saw the return of a few Olympians for the first time since Paris 2024. Overall, the side ended up runners-up to China.

It will be new Head Coach Yuka Kanematsu’s first SVNS event in Dubai as Japan Women’s Head Coach and there are many players making their SVNS debut – the most notable absence is that of Wakaba Hara who has been a leading scorer for Japan over recent seasons, and experienced leader Chiharu Nakamura among others.

By our count, only four of the team selected for Dubai were part of the squad that played in Paris at the Olympic Games 2024.

• Minako Taniyama
• Mayu Yoshino
• Mei Ohtani *
• Suzuha Okamoto
• Wakana Akita
• Hanako Utsumi *
• Yukino Tsujisaki
• Seika Ohashi
• Hana Nagata
• Marin Kajiki *
• Chiaki Saegusa *
• Yumeno Sakoda
• Natsumi Takahashi

*part of Paris 2024 Olympic Squad.

The full Japan Sakura 7s team for this weekend in Dubai can be seen here.

China Women SVNS Squad – Emirates Dubai 7s 2024

Photo by Alex Ho / World Rugby)

The Chinese continued their excellent form this year, winning the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2024 title but they did finally drop a game in the final against the Sakura 7s in Bangkok.

A strong side has been selected by Head Coach Lu Zhuan for Dubai but the notable absence is that of Liu Xiaoqian who was their top try scorer across all competitions in 2024 and has been in lethal form. Another regular who appears to miss out is Chen Keyi.

Dou Xinrong and Gao Xiaoyang are still excellent inclusions and the side contains half a dozen players who were in Paris for a best-ever finish for the Chinese in which they beat core SVNS teams on the way to 6th overall at the Olympics. Yan Meiling is once again the captain and a workhorse in the side who gets front-foot ball for the backs to attack from.

• Zheng Wenyan
• Kang Chengtian
• Chen Ziying
• Hu Yu
• Wang Zhaojing
• Gao Xiaoyang
• Dou Xinrong
• Sun Yue
• Wang Xuemin
• Ge Chenjie
• Yan Meiling (captain)
• Jiang Yutong
• Zhou Yan

The full China women’s team for this weekend in Dubai can be seen here.

HKCR Dragons – Dubai 7s 2024 – International Invitation Open Divisions (Men and Women)

Hong Kong China Rugby confirmed it has sent two Sevens development teams to play in the International Invitational Open tournaments at the Dubai leg of the SVNS Series this weekend.

HKCR confirmed that “both squads feature a host of young up-and-coming talent and a chance for players to experience an elite competition environment under the watchful guidance of the HKSI men’s and women’s 7s coaching team of Jevon Groves, Andrew Vilk, Peter Jericevich and Robbie Fergusson.”

Hong Kong China Development Men: Juan Esono MBA OYANA, Joseph KNIGHT, Alexander MOSES, Marcus D’ACRE, NG Yuk Shing (Wesley), Joseph DENMARK, Camill CHEUNG, Julien BOURRON, AU Chun Yin, Matthew RICKARD, LO Pui Yin Mervyn, Dylan McCANN

The men are in Pool C with Scotty’s Rugby, Dubai Dragons Beach Boys, and King’s College,

Hong Kong China Development Women: Grace HOOD, Jamie BOURK, Shanna FORREST, LAM Ka Yuet, PUN Wai Yan, Lucia BOLTON, HO Tsz Wun, CHAN Abigail, Haruka UEMATSU, POON Hoi Yan, Jessica EDEN, AU King To

The women are in Pool A with the UKAF (United Kingdom Air Force), Arctic Sisu 7s, and the Tropics 7s.

Photo Credit: HKCR

Tropics 7s – Invitational Open Women

As mentioned just above, the touring team is in the same pool as the Hong Kong Dragons side and the Tropics are also regular tourists to the HKFC 10s.

We have also been told that Singaporean international women’s player Jayne Chan is part of the Tropics squad in Dubai – possibly the first Singaporean to play the Dubai 7s?

The women are in Pool A with the UKAF (United Kingdom Air Force), Arctic Sisu 7s, and the Hong Kong Dragons.

The Dubai 7s 2024 invitational match schedules can be found on the Dubai7s website and app.

Sri Lions – International Open Men

The Sri Lions have taken aboard several experienced players in addition to the Sri Lankan players for the tournament in Dubai which will be the 4th time they have played the tournament. the side is captained by Sri Lankan Dinuk Amarasinghe while other Sri Lankan players include; Dulaj Navodya, Mohammed Nizran, Raveen Fernando, Theekshana Eshan

Included in the side are Simione F. Moala from Tonga (former national 7s captain and 3-time national champion) as the vice-captain and the Fijians in the side include Ratu Manueli, Moape Raiba, Tira Welagi Patterson, Vaviano Basituka.

Both Johamen Van Der Merew and Jean van Schalkwyk are South African Sevens Development player, while Charles Philip Taylor (Australian Rugby 7s veteran and current Dubai Tigers player) is the second vice captain.

MR Rajeew Perera Head Coach of the Sri Lions said, “This is a big opportunity for all of these youngsters and some of these guys have been playing at the top schools in the country and have represented at U18 and U19 Sevens so they will have the opportunity at the Dubai 7s which will be a big exposure for them at a high level and to play with international players.”

The team is in Pool A of the International Open Men with Speranza22, Esprit Sud Sevens, & Gofathers Rugby.

Photo Credit: Sri Lions

Shogun RFC Men – International Invitation Men

The Shogun Men’s team (although not Asian) are well known in the region and have attended several tournaments including the HKFC 10s which they won earlier this year.

This is the first time the team is in Dubai since 2022 and they have announced a strong South African flavour to the side with Bulls (South Africa) based captain Gerrie Engelbrecht leading the team. In total, the side has 11 South Africans and 1 Kenyan player. The Shogun men have joined forces with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa.

The side is in Pool B of the International Men with Olorun, Monaco IMPIS (who were founded by Princess Charlene of Monaco), as well as Froggies Club.

Riyadh Scorpions Rugby – International Vets

Riyadh Rugby has announced a number of former internationals and professional players who will represent them in the International Vets division, playing as the Riyadh Scorpions.

The team selected includes Matt Banahan, Tom Varndell, Tim Bateman, Willi Heinz, Hugh Pyle, Andrew Durutalo, Kane Thompson and Jacques Boussuge.

The Riyadh Rugby side is in pool A with 100 World Legends, dnata Bali Legends, International Bulldogs, and The Barefoot Project.

Yalla Rugby has also been running great interviews previewing some of the regional teams taking part.

How To Watch All of The Action – Emirates Dubai 7s 2024

Emirates Sevens 2024 said, “We are delighted to announce that we will be live streaming every minute of the Emirates Dubai 7s Invitational Rugby Tournament on 29th and 30th November and 1st December. The Live Stream will be exclusively available on the official Emirates Dubai 7s YouTube Channel – (217) Emirates Dubai 7s – YouTube
where you can view the Match Schedule”.

Streams will be available from all 8 Sevens Stadium Pitches. Fans can watch the HSBC SVNS action via broadcaster partners or RugbyPassTV.

Sevens Rugby News

• Emirates Dubai 7s 2024 – Fan Guide To Everything That’s Happening.
• Emirates Match Officials For HSBC SVNS 2024-2025 & World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025.
• Teams Ready For A New SVNS Season At Emirates Dubai Sevens 2024 – Host Of New Stars To Debut.
• HSBC SVNS 2025 Final Schedule Confirmed.