Filipino Community Rugby Day in Hong Kong Draws 150+ Domestic Helpers and Aspiring Volcanoes2/4/2025
 by Mark Villamora The 2025 Filipino Community Rugby Day turned into a massive rugby festival, drawing over 150 participants, including more than 100 touch and tag rugby players from Hong Kong's domestic helpers' community, held in HK Happy Rugby Valley Pitch on February 2. Originally planned as a Talent ID Day to identify potential players for the Maharlikan and Magandaquins program—the national pathway to the Philippine Volcanoes—the event saw an overwhelming response, prompting organizers to expand the day’s activities. The rugby festival featured open-for-all social touch games, a rugby clinic aimed at newcomers, and a dedicated talent ID session for aspiring players. Filipino heritage players from the Hong Kong China Sevens also participated, providing valuable support and inspiration for the participants. The day ended on a high note with merienda sponsored by Dara Hong Kong, alongside homemade food generously provided by the Coebergh family, creating a festive and supportive atmosphere for everyone involved.  Volcanoes Women's Head Coach facilitating the rugby clinic. Photos by Sommai Sports. Event Organization and Support The event was organized by Samantha Scott (Volcanoes 7s Women’s Head Coach), Kate Palis Stroem (Women’s Volcanoes 7s), Aljon Rae Grospe (Men’s Volcanoes 15s), and Matthew Macphearson (Men’s Volcanoes 15s), along with the dedicated volunteers from the Maharlikans. A group of passionate coaches and volunteers contributed their time and energy to make the day a success. These included:
 Participants enjoying a salo-salo with food sponsored by Dara Hong Kong and the Coebregh Family. Filipino Community Rugby Day Partners:With plans to make the Filipino Community Rugby Day an annual event, organizers are inviting volunteers, supporters, and donors to help continue growing this important initiative. Those interested in contributing their time or resources can reach out to [email protected] for further details. The community is excited about the future of the event and its potential to foster more growth and opportunities for Filipino rugby players in Hong Kong. About Philippine Rugby Football Union The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) is the governing body for the sport of rugby in the Philippines. Established in 1998, PRFU is dedicated to the development and promotion of rugby across the country, from grassroots to elite levels. PRFU oversees various rugby programs, competitions, and national teams, aiming to make rugby a major sport in the Philippines. For inquiries, please contact: [email protected]  Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) successfully delivered a World Rugby Level 1 First Aid in Rugby course today, equipping participants with essential first-aid skills tailored for rugby. Among the 11 attendees, most were medical professionals from the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) Medical and Scientific Athlete Services (MSAS) Unit.  Led by World Rugby Educator Steph Yee, the course provided participants with hands-on training in rugby-specific injury management. Yee emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This course is a great step in strengthening our relationship with the PSC. It not only enhances their understanding of rugby-specific medical needs but also opens the door for future collaboration in supporting our sport at all levels.”
Co-delivering the course was Enrico Baron, a member of PSC’s MSAS unit, who highlighted the value of this training for their department. “As medical professionals working closely with athletes, it’s crucial to understand the specific risks and injury management strategies in different sports. This course has equipped us with the necessary tools to better support rugby players, and I see great potential for further engagement between PSC and PRFU,” Baron shared. The PRFU continues to prioritize player welfare and safety through initiatives like this, ensuring that rugby athletes in the country receive top-level medical care both on and off the field. |
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