China attempted to qualify for the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia, taking part in the Asia qualifying tournaments. They started in Pool C of Round 1, playing matches against Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan. Played in April, China lost 9-7 to Sri Lanka, and then defeated Kazakhstan 57-15. They finished at the top of the final standings due to a better points difference, and advanced to Round 2. However, they were knocked out in Round 2, losing both their fixtures against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei.