The possibility of rugby sevens being included in the Olympic programme has prompted the development of a new series in Asia.
The International Rugby Board has approved an Asian sevens tournament, starting in Shanghai this weekend.
The six-event series will run until the end of November with rounds in the Philippines, Brunei, Borneo, Iran and Sri Lanka involving national teams including China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.
The IRB recently awarded the 15-a-side World Cup to Japan for 2019.