Promising Future Rugby Stars Who Will Lead Korea Gather in Gangjin

The 36th Presidential Cup National Rugby Championships to Be Held in Gangjin
36 Teams and 1,500 Participants from Across the Country... Economic Impact Expected to Reach 200 Million Won

At a recent rugby tournament held at Hamel Stadium in Gangjin County, players from Yonsei University and Korea University were sweating it out. Provided by Jeonnam Rugby Association

Elite student athletes aspiring to become future members of the Korean national rugby team are gathering in Gangjin, Jeollanam-do.

According to the Gangjin County Rugby Association and Gangjin County on July 21, the 36th Presidential Cup National Rugby Championships will be held over nine days from July 21 to July 29.

This tournament, taking place at Hamel Stadium in Gangjin County, Jeollanam-do, will feature a total of 36 teams and approximately 1,500 athletes and officials. The participants include five teams in the general division, three teams in the university division, fifteen teams in the under-18 division, and thirteen teams in the under-15 division, all competing to determine the nation’s top team.

Rugby is a sport in which teams score points by carrying the ball into the opponent’s territory or kicking it over the goalposts within the regular 80-minute match time. While it is considered a minor sport in Korea, it is a hidden powerhouse, having won a total of four gold medals at the Asian Games.

This tournament is expected to serve as a gateway to discovering promising athletes who will be responsible for the future of Korean rugby.

Gangjin, which boasts a rugby-exclusive natural grass stadium, has become a popular venue for national tournaments and training camps every year. The frequent visits by coaches, athletes, and their families have significantly contributed to the local economy and the promotion of sports tourism. Gangjin County estimates that this tournament alone will generate an economic impact of approximately 200 million won.

Separately, local rugby association officials?including Jeonnam Rugby Association President Hong Hyunseung, Vice President Cho Hyeongju, and Executive Director Kim Cheolmun?are carrying out various initiatives to promote rugby tournaments and nurture promising athletes.

Gang Jinwon, the mayor of Gangjin County, stated, "This tournament is a great opportunity to showcase Gangjin’s excellent sports infrastructure nationwide. We will actively support the continued hosting of national tournaments in rugby and other sports, and do our utmost to help Gangjin grow as a hub city for sports."

Cho Hyeongju, Vice President of the Jeonnam Rugby Association, said, "This year’s Presidential Cup National Rugby Championships in Gangjin will create many lasting memories for promising athletes and enthusiasts alike. We will continue to work hard for the development of local rugby in the future."