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The IRB Asian Sevens Series welcomes back its heavyweights this weekend at the Borneo Sevens in Kota Kinabalu.

The likes of Japan, China, Korea, Hong Kong, and Chinese Taipei all compete again for the first time since the Shanghai Sevens in September.

The Sabah Rugby Union will host the event staged at the Likas Sports Complex on October 31 - November 1.
Sabah Rugby Union President and organiser Velayuthan Tan said, "The event, which is being held for the first time in Sabah, will feature the best Asian national men's teams as well as top national women's teams".

"Taking part in this prestigious international event will be the cream of Asian Rugby teams from Japan, China, Korea, India, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Guam, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Malaysia," he added.

Hosts Malaysia head into the tournament full of confidence after a comprehensive win at last weekend’s second leg of the IRB Asian Series at the Brunei Sevens.

Running concurrently with the International tournament will be the the Borneo Invitational Club Sevens.
Past editions of this event, formerly the Borneo Rugby Tens, have attracted world-renowned teams from Australia, Fiji, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Samoa, and South Africa.

Over 500 rugby players and officials are expected over the weekend.

"We want the standard of Malaysian Rugby and Sabah Rugby in particular, to move into the realms of the Asian and international arena. A rugby tournament with the involvement of top Asian and international teams and players can give us an indication as to where we stand."

"We can more easily gauge the actual standard of our players against an Asian/international benchmark that should help us chart a more effective way to move up the ladder of Asian and international rugby," said Tan.

The mid-term plan (2-3 years) is to earn the confidence of the IRB and AFRU for Kota Kinabalu to host an annual satellite event. This will aim to attract more world class teams to Malaysia. The long-term plan on the other hand is to bid for the right to host the Rugby World Cup Sevens and put Malaysia on the map from a rugby point of view.

While local players can be benchmarked against international teams, local fans too will have the opportunity to watch the game at international level and gain some insight into the intricacies and excitement of rugby.
Rugby clinics for schools and universities are also planned, while referee courses will also be held in conjunction with the tournament.