On June 7, the 2025 Shanghai Amateur Games Rugby Series & "Shanghai Cup" International Rugby Invitational Tournament wrapped up at Jiangwan Stadium. The event drew a diverse array of teams made up of expatriates from the UK, France, New Zealand, Germany, Australia, Japan, and more. They squared off against top local teams from Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and beyond. With 13 men's teams and 3 women's teams in the fray, the tournament was a thrilling display of rugby's dynamic blend of power and strategy. Beyond the sportsmanship, it also served as a vibrant platform for cross-cultural exchange between China and the international community.

Gathering in Yangpu: A rugby-fueled friendship with over 500 foreign players

On the field, undeterred by the light rain, players engaged in spirited competition on the real turf. Throughout the event, the essence of rugby was on full display, with teams exuding both camaraderie and competitive prowess. The nail-biting matches kept the audience on the edge of their seats, featuring stellar performances from local teams and intense showdowns among international contingents. In the end, the Bulldog Dragons clinched the men's championship, and the Wuxi Saber-Toothed Tigers took the women's crown. Off the field, it was a family affair, with foreign players bringing along their loved ones and pets, transforming the event into a true "family rugby carnival".

A notable highlight was the supply zone at the venue, bustling with long lines at stalls offering Western cuisine like pizza, hot dogs, barbecues, and beer. Players feasted heartily, expressing their delight with exclamations of satisfaction. Ding Ye, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Shanghai Rugby Football Association, said, "For many foreign athletes, sports are an integral part of life, and they effortlessly blend competition with their everyday routines. As organizers, our goal is to genuinely capture the essence of integrating rugby into life."

Liu Lin, a foreign player from Nanjing, was introduced to rugby in Shanghai last December and quickly took a fancy to the sport. Competing in Yangpu brought her great joy. "This marks my debut in an official rugby match. The field here, with its natural grass and soil, offers a wonderful feel. Despite the drizzle, the atmosphere was vibrant and unaffected."

By taking part in this competition, Liu noticed that rugby is becoming more and more popular in China. Many of her teammates are Chinese players who "compete fiercely and have a strong desire to win". Beyond the thrill of the game, Liu was thrilled to connect with rugby fans from various countries and cities, fostering a sense of global camaraderie through the sport.

Match traffic drives consumption surge: A single bar on Daxue Road Bar rakes in 170,000 yuan

Embracing the integrated development of culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibitions, this tournament successfully turned match traffic into a powerful consumption boost. Nearly 500 foreign players and their families, during their stay in Yangpu, not only fueled a consumption surge in nearby hotels and eateries but also poured into Daxue Road Pedestrian Street after the tournament, emerging as the driving force behind the vibrant night economy.

As dusk settles, Daxue Road Pedestrian Street twinkles with neon lights, and bars are alive with the roar of the crowd. Players gather in clusters, clinking glasses and sharing stories of the day's matches. One bar owner said, "During the tournament, our customer count soared, with over 70% being foreign guests, and we averaged 170,000 yuan in revenue per night!" Many players also took it upon themselves to explore Yangpu Riverside and visit trendy eateries, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Shanghai. Ding noted, "We want to capture the true 'life' essence of rugby, ensuring players can fully experience the allure of Shanghai beyond the field."

As a highlight of Yangpu's "Dynamic Business District Show", this tournament has not only fostered international sports and cultural exchanges but has also served as a catalyst for regional consumption upgrading. Looking ahead, the district will further deepen the "leading sports district" strategy. By leveraging competitions as a link, we aim to create an integrated ecosystem that combines mass fitness with consumption upgrades, thereby supporting Shanghai's ambition to become a globally renowned sports city. This rugby extravaganza has not only ignited the passion for sports but has also showcased the openness and dynamism of Yangpu to the world, from the competition venue to the streets, and from sports to everyday life.