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W. Andrew Robinson

Chinese Rugby Football Association
SportRugby union
Founded1996; 29 years ago (1996)
World Rugby affiliation1997
PresidentZhang Xiaoning
Chinese Rugby Football Association
Simplified Chinese中国橄欖球协会
Traditional Chinese中國橄榄球協會
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinZhōngguó Gǎnlǎnqiú Xiéhuì

The Chinese Rugby Football Association (CRFA) is the governing body for rugby union and American football in the People's Republic of China. Established in 1996, it became affiliated with World Rugby in 1997.[1]

History and Development

In the early 2000s, the CRFA shifted its focus towards rugby sevens following the decision by the Olympic Council of Asia in 2002 to include only the seven-a-side version of rugby in the Asian Games. This strategic move was influenced by China's emphasis on Olympic sports, leading to a decline in support for the traditional 15-a-side game.[2]

To promote rugby sevens domestically, the CRFA organized national championships and university tournaments. Since 2010, annual two-day sevens tournaments have been held in various locations. In 2015, the format expanded to a four-leg series to increase exposure and attract sponsorships.[3]

American Football Initiatives

Beyond rugby, the CRFA has also been involved in organizing American football events within China. Efforts to popularize the sport have included youth programs and exhibition matches, aiming to introduce American football to Chinese audiences.[4]

National Teams

The CRFA oversees several national teams:

  • China national rugby sevens team: The men's sevens team has participated in the Asian Sevens Series and the Asian Games, with a notable bronze medal finish in the 2006 Asian Games.
  • China women's national rugby sevens team: The women's sevens team has achieved significant success, including winning the 2014 Asian Women's Sevens Championship and qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

See also

References

  1. ^ "China". Asia Rugby. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  2. ^ Kuo, Jason (13 October 2019). "Why Rugby Has Yet to Convert the Chinese". Sixth Tone. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  3. ^ "Try, try and try again". China Daily. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  4. ^ Osnos, Evan (7 February 2011). "Transplants: The Super Bowl in Beijing". The New Yorker. Retrieved 13 April 2025.