World Rugby Grants Ranking Status to ASEAN Union Cup

World Rugby has officially certified the ASEAN Union Cup, a 15-a-side rugby tournament, as a ranking event. This decision allows participating teams to earn points toward the official World Rugby Rankings, marking a significant development for the sport in the region. The tournament was initiated by the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation (SEARF), led by President Pol. Lt. Col. Kulthon Prachuabmoh, to address the lack of consistent 15-a-side regional competition in Asia.

This announcement coincides with the 88th anniversary of the Thai Rugby Union and the inauguration of its new headquarters. World Rugby issued a formal message of congratulations to the Thai association, expressing support for their ongoing efforts to develop the sport domestically.

For residents and visitors in Thailand, this development signals a potential increase in the quality and frequency of international rugby matches hosted within the country. As the sport gains more formal recognition and structure, fans can expect more competitive fixtures on the local calendar. While the certification of the Union Cup is confirmed, specific details regarding the full tournament schedule, participating nations beyond the ASEAN bloc, and future host venues for upcoming editions remain to be finalized by the regional federation.