Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament Returns for 27th Year
The Japan Rugby Football Union, in partnership with the Sanix Sports Foundation and Global Arena, and in conjunction with the Kyushu Rugby Football Union, and the Fukuoka Rugby Football Union, is pleased to confirm details for the 2026 edition of the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament.
Widely recognised as the only world tournament for high school rugby players, the competition celebrates its 27th year in 2026, having first been staged in 2000. Throughout its history, teams from 20 countries and regions have taken part, with the event providing an early international platform for players who have gone on to successful professional and international careers. Among those to have featured are Japan’s Timothy Lafaele, England’s Jack Nowell, South Africa’s JP Pietersen, and New Zealand internationals Owen Franks, Colin Slade, and Matt Todd.
The tournament’s reputation as a breeding ground for future internationals is reflected in the number of tournament alumni who have progressed to play at Rugby World Cups. At Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, 26 former participants were selected across multiple national teams, while that number rose to 35 players at Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
Held annually at the Global Arena sports complex in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, the tournament brings together leading high school teams from Japan and around the world. Scheduled once again during Japan’s Golden Week holiday period, the 2026 tournament will take place from April 28 to May 5. The Men’s Fifteens competition will feature 16 teams competing across five days, while the Women’s Sevens competition will see eight teams in action over two days from April 28 to 29.
Commenting on the announcement, JRFU President Masato Tsuchida said:
“We are delighted to once again welcome teams from around the world to the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament, which since 2000 has provided a unique platform for young players to compete, build lifelong friendships, and experience international rugby. With 16 boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams taking part this year, we look forward to an exciting week of competition and cultural exchange, and to seeing players grow both on and off the field while forming connections that will last well into the future.”
Beyond the on-field action, the tournament continues to prioritise cultural exchange and friendship. With all teams staying onsite at the Global Arena complex, players have constant interaction through shared meals and social activities, creating meaningful connections and lasting friendships that extend well beyond the tournament itself.
2026 Sanix World Rugby Youth Exchange Tournament – Participating Teams:
Men’s Fifteens – 16 teams
International Teams (8)
- Downlands College (Australia)
- Jianguo High School (Chinese Taipei)
- Exeter College (England)
- Ratu Kadavulevu School (Fiji)
- Windhoek Gymnasium (Namibia)
- Rotorua Boys High School (New Zealand)
- Fielding High School (New Zealand)
- Tupou College (Tonga)
Domestic Teams (8)
- Toin Gakuen High School (Kanagawa)
- Kyoto Seisho High School (Kyoto)
- Tenri High School (Nara)
- Higashi-Fukuoka High School (Fukuoka)
- The remaining four teams will be decided following the 27th National High School Rugby Selection Tournament
Women’s Sevens – Eight teams
International Teams (4)
- The Glennie School (Australia)
- Worthing College (England)
- Queen Margaret’s School (Canada)
- Manukura School (New Zealand)
Domestic Teams (4)
- Fukuoka Lady’s Rugby Football Club (Fukuoka)
- Otemon Gakuin High School (Osaka)
- Yokkaichi Maryknoll Gakuin High School (Mie)
- Kanto Gakuin Mutsuura High School (Kanagawa)
For all match schedules and results, please check the 2026 Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament official website at http://sanix-sports.info/rugby. The tournament website is available only in Japanese. To translate into the language of your choice, please open the URL and use the translation function of your web browser.