China

Once a prominent rising national XV in Asia, China will be looking to right its ship in 2011 after falling for the first time to Division III level.  In Jakarta, the team will open its account with its first ever test match against the Rhinos of Indonesia, as it bids for the chance to vie against the winners of Pakistan v Guam in the other semi-final.

With much of its XVs strength previously derived from the People’s Liberation Army club team based in Guangzhou, China will look to integrate more players from other rugby regions in the nation to re-establish its former XVs prowess. The timing of China’s long march back to XVs dominance remains unknown, but one thing is certain, the first steps will need to be taken this summer in Jakarta.

Pakistan

Although Pakistan's rugby heritage stretches back to the 1920s, the modern re-establishment of the sport is driving forward with youthful vigour. In 2011, the team must be considered strong contenders for a trip back up to Division II, with plenty of national sporting pride supporting them.

Guam

Guam is known as ‘the Rock’ for its volcanic base, but it is also a good description of their unyielding style of rugby. Having had several players recruited by USA Rugby, the island has no shortage of potential rugby talent. After three years in Division III, the Guamanians will recognise that their 2011 competitors will make this an exceptionally tough campaign, and the side will look to raise their game accordingly.

Indonesia

Winners of the 2008 A5N regional tournament hosted in Jakarta, the Rhinos of Indonesia Rugby will be banking on a return to a familiar paddock as they kick-off the Division III tournament in Jakarta. 

Although facing a tough task in upending its opening match opponents China, currently ranked 66th in the world, Indonesia rugby is making great strides on the development front – growth which hosting the A5N Division III should help facilitate.

With the world’s fourth largest population, and inspired by Rugby’s inclusion into the Olympic Games, Indonesia’s rugby potential remains unlimited.