Karachi: Emirates has embarked on a new multi-year partnership as the Title Sponsor of Asia Rugby, aiming to extend the reach and development of the sport across 36 Asian countries. The collaboration will support the organization and staging of multiple rugby tournaments including 7s, 15s, and the Asia Rugby Championships.

According to Emirates, Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, emphasized the airline’s longstanding support for rugby and its strategy to leverage this partnership to enhance the sport’s visibility and foster new opportunities for young athletes throughout Asia. Qais Al-Dhalai, President of Asia Rugby, also underscored the strategic importance of the UAE as a central hub for promoting rugby’s growth across the continent.

The sponsorship arrangement will see Emirates’ branding appear across 21 tournaments over the next three years, starting with the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series in Hangzhou, China, this September. These tournaments include the Asia Rugby Men’s and Women’s Championships and various youth competitions.

Emirates has a notable history of supporting rugby on a global scale, including sponsorships of the Rugby World Cup, the Dubai 7s, and the South African Emirates Lions, among others. With Asia housing 60% of the global population, this partnership aims to solidify rugby’s footprint in the region and build a strong, enthusiastic fanbase.