Australian Schools’ Rugby Union
www.schoolsrugby.com.au
ABN 94 531 806 389
[email protected]

MEMO FROM: Australian Schools Rugby Union
DATE: 8 July 2026
TOPIC: SANIX World Rugby Youth Tournament
Girls: Global Arena in Munakata City, Fukuoka, Japan between April 25 and April 30, 2027
Boys: Global Arena in Munakata City, Fukuoka, Japan between April 25 and May 5, 2027
Expressions of interest are invited from boys’ and girls’ rugby schools in Australia to be selected to represent Australia at the 2027 SANIX Tournament in Japan. One boys XV school team and one girls Sevens school team – can be the same school.
The Australian Schools Rugby Union has been invited to select the school (one boys and one girls) to play in the tournament. All teams considered would need to be of the highest calibre of schools in the country.
Applications must be received in writing by email addressed to:
SANIX TOURNAMENT 2027 SELECTIONS

C/O ASRU Secretary,
[email protected]
Applications close at 5pm Wednesday 26 August, 2026
A selection committee will convene, and all schools will be advised on the outcome of the application by Tuesday 5 October.
The ASRU will then advise SANIX organisers by the due date of 4 November.
Dates and program given here are approximate

Applications should include:
 School name and primary contact person’s contact details
 State whether you are applying for boys, girls or both.
 The name and contact details of the Headmaster/ Principal and that the school
leadership supports the application.
 A brief statement of the school’s rugby playing history and any recent successes.
 A brief statement about what representing Australia at the tournament would mean to the school, the players and the school’s community
The SANIX World Youth Rugby Tournament and Conference is a prestigious international event, and it is expected that only high-quality teams should apply. There is an expectation that schools that compete are in the top five from their country. We know we don’t have a local competition to determine a “top five”. New Zealand does and only sends its top teams.
Global Arena is large complex that houses many stadiums, playing fields, training facilities and accommodation hubs.
The ASRU stands ready to advise the successful schools on the unique nature of
participating in the tournament along with the cultural protocols of playing rugby in Japan.
Playing rugby in Japan is a unique and fascinating diverse cultural experience with its own special protocol requirements. Always played in Golden Week in 2027, 25 APRIL – 5 MAY

Notes for Boys Team (XVs)
The Boys Competition started in 2000.
 8 countries invited – most commonly but not restricted to Australia, NZ, South Africa, England and others
 8 TOP Japanese High Schools
 Each are in pools of four that have two Japanese teams and two internationals
 5 days of playing with three rest days.
 3 days of pool matches – 25 min halves
 Final two match days are all decider matches. 30 min halves.
 The second decider days is for play off grading matches 1 st to 16 th .
 Expectation is that the schools will be a ‘top high school from that nation.
 NZ send the school that was national champion in the previous year.
 In recent years the cost to each team has been the cost of the travel to Fukuoka
Airport while the majority of the costs while in Japan have been met by the SANIX
Corporation.
The tournament organiser shall bear the following costs:
o Accommodation/Meals (three meals per day) at the Global Arena during the
tournament period for 30 players and 4 officials – 34 total
o (from April 25th to May 5th).
o Pick-up bus between the Fukuoka Airport and the Global Arena (tournament
venue and hotel).
o All the related expenses concerning events and/or functions to be held in the
Global Arena.
o Medical attention for injury sustained during a match at the match venue.
o The following costs shall be borne by each participating team:

The following costs shall be borne by each participating team:

o Cost of international travelling from a departing airport to the Fukuoka Airport
(Participating teams shall arrange and purchase necessary air tickets by
themselves).
o Costs associated with additional team members in excess of 34 persons.
o Sightseeing expenses, if any, other than an excursion offered by the
organiser.
o All daily life expenses during the stay in Japan such as phone calls, laundry
and ice.
o Costs of treatment for illness contracted or injury sustained at any time during
the team’s stay in Japan and medical treatment insurance to cover such costs.
o All costs of any touring prior to and post the tournament.

Eligibility

o A team must consist of players from one school.
o All players must be turning 18 or younger in 2027 – this is an U18’s
tournament.

Notes for Girls Teams (Sevens)
Started in 2013. Teams are 12 players and 3 officials. The competition is Under 18.
Two days of pool matches and one day of decider matches.
One excursion day.
Previous years it was 8 teams where 4 were internationals. 2027 may be 12 teams with
6 being internationals.
The tournament organiser shall bear the following costs;
 Accommodation/Meals (three meals per day) for 15 team members during the
tournament period. 12 Players and 3 Management.
 (from April 25 to April 30).
 Pick-up bus between the Fukuoka Airport and the Hotel.
 Pick-up bus between the hotel and the Global Arena (match venue).
 All the related expenses concerning excursion, events and/or functions to be held in
the Global Arena.
 Medical attention for injury sustained during a match at the match venue.
The following costs shall be borne by each participating team:
 Cost of international travelling from a departing airport to the Fukuoka Airport
(Participating teams shall arrange and purchase necessary air tickets by
themselves).
 Costs associated with additional team members in excess of 15 persons.
 Sightseeing expenses, if any, other than an excursion offered by the organizer.
 All daily life expenses during the stay in Japan such as phone calls, laundry and ice.
 Costs of treatment for illness contracted or injury sustained at any time during the team’s stay in
 Japan and medical treatment insurance to cover such costs.
Eligibility

o A team must consist of players from one school.
o All players must be turning 18 or younger in 2027