Japan

Undefeated in three years of HSBC Asian 5 Nations competition, Japan are the form team of Asian rugby and the region’s sole qualifier for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

Coached by legendary New Zealand All Black winger John Kirwan, the Brave Blossoms have accepted the challenge to play all four of their A5N matches on the road in 2011 as vital preparation for the challenge that lies ahead for the team in the land of the long white cloud next September.  Japan are grouped in RWC 2011 with New Zealand, France, Canada and Tonga and are targeting two wins and automatic qualification for RWC 2015 from their RWC campaign.

Kazakhstan

After consecutive second place finishes in the HSBC A5N in 2009 and 2010, the Nomads of Kazakhstan are now firmly established in the top flight of the HSBC A5N. Their impressive performance last year saw them qualify for the repechage leg of the Rugby World Cup 2011 where they fell to Uruguay in the away match.

The team will be looking to blend some new youth alongside established team leaders like captain and No. 8 Timur Mashurov, flanker Anton “the horse” Rudoy and the big-booted fullback Maxim Lifontov. Kazakhstan prepared for their HSBC A5N 2011 campaign with a training camp in Turkey where they played friendly matches with three Russian Super League teams.

Hong Kong

Under former Wales Sevens coach Dai Rees, a highly committed Hong Kong XV will take the pitch full of fire in the HSBC A5N 2011. A challenging schedule awaits team as they open on the road to Asia’s number two side Kazakhstan in Almaty and then return to face Asian champions Japan at home.  An away leg to Sri Lanka will also require maximum focus before what could be a crucial home tie against the UAE in week 5.

Hong Kong will be looking to continue their success integrating up-and-coming young local stars like winger Salom Yiu Kam Shing into their first XV.

The Hong Kong players will be giving their all to meet the expectations that come with residency in the top five of Asian rugby.

UAE Rugby

UAE is Asia's newest rugby union, having replaced the former regional union, the Arabian Gulf. Most of the promising squad of experienced veterans and young up-and-coming players who played under the old banner have stayed with the new team, under the watchful eye of coach Bruce Birtwhistle. 

After their shock win over Korea in their final match as the Arabian Gulf, the new UAE Rugby Association will be looking to carry momentum into 2011 and to make the most of their Top 5 perch and the high-profile platform it provides to boost the game’s further penetration in the region.

Sri Lanka

With the longest tradition of organised club rugby in Asia, dating back to 1879, (just eight years after the founding of the world’s first rugby union in England), the brave Elephants of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union have rampaged into the Top 5 and should not be underestimated.  Sri Lanka becomes the eighth team to reach the lofty heights of the HSBC A5N Top 5.

With thousands of spectators regularly attending club rugby matches in Sri Lanka, the team can be sure of passionate and noisy support as they test their strength in the top flight.