The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) has officially partnered with Creative Learning Paths (CLP) School in Parañaque to pilot Rugby Rising Play, a groundbreaking program that introduces students to rugby through the T1 Rugby curriculum developed by World Rugby.
Starting in Term 2 of the 2025–2026 school year, this pilot will see CLP integrate Rugby Rising Play into its Physical Education program. The initiative not only teaches rugby skills but also uses the sport’s core values — discipline, respect, solidarity, integrity, and passion — to support social emotional learning (SEL). The curriculum also encourages important conversations around inclusion, gender, and community leadership.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Creative Learning Paths, a school that truly understands how sport can be a powerful tool for personal growth and social development,” said Ada Milby, President of PRFU. “This pilot is an important step toward showcasing how rugby can be part of holistic education in the Philippines. We hope it paves the way for broader adoption in schools, with the long-term goal of seeing rugby included in Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy.”
CLP is widely recognized for its commitment to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), which it embeds as a core element of its Peace Education approach. The school sees rugby as a unique way to deepen this commitment by helping students build confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
“We’re excited to bring Rugby Rising Play to our students,” said Teacher Tin Canon of Creative Learning Paths. “It’s more than just introducing them to a new sport — it’s about helping them build empathy, navigate challenges, and develop the kind of character that will serve them throughout life.”
Data and insights from this pilot will inform future proposals to expand Rugby Rising Play into more schools nationwide, working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) to grow the sport’s footprint and impact.

by Mark Villamora

​The Philippine Volcanoes made history once again by securing the championship in their debut at the 2025 Unions Cup Finals, defeating Thailand 23–6 at the Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan.

This marks a major comeback for the Philippine Volcanoes 15s men’s team after six years, following the pandemic.

“I couldn’t be prouder of these players,” said Ada Milby, President of the Philippine Rugby Football Union. “They’ve shown incredible resilience and unity after such a long gap in test matches, and to come back with a championship — that says everything about the heart of this team and the future of Philippine rugby.”

The last international tournament for the Volcanoes 15s was the 2019 Asia Rugby Championship Division 1, where they also won gold.

Some players from this year’s roster were also part of the 7s team that made history by winning double gold at the Asia Rugby Trophy Sevens in Nepal.

The finals opened with an intense first 15-minute rally, until Ned Ralph Plarizan Stephenson scored the first try of the match, putting the team ahead 5–0.

The first half ended with a close 8–6 lead for the Philippines, with Kai Kristian Ledesma Stroem contributing through a successful penalty kick.

The second half mirrored the intensity, with another 15-minute rally before James Halasan Ryan scored a try, followed by a conversion from Stroem, pushing the lead to 18–6.

Stephenson added another try in the final 10 minutes, stretching the lead to 23–6 and securing the Philippine Volcanoes’ title as the 2025 Unions Cup Champions.

by Mark Villamora

​The roster of players for the Philippine Volcanoes in the finals of the 2025 Unions Cup was officially announced during their second jersey presentation on July 11, at Ever Luck Hotel, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

The Volcanoes team is set for their championship match against Thailand, today, July 12 at 18:00 PHT.

The Philippine Volcanoes made an impressive debut in their first match, defeating defending champions Singapore with a score of 37–20.

Team Captain Kai Kristian Ledesma Stroem was recognized as the Best Back and Man of the Match, while Dylan Duncan Amoguis Davies was named Best Forward for their standout performances in Match 1.

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​This championship team is led by Head Coach Josh Torres Sutcliffe and Assistant Coach Tommy Gilbert, with physiotherapists Dr. David Adamson and Jun Whei Cheah. The entire men’s squad is managed by our ever-hardworking Team Manager, Lalaine Joyce Bacus.

The livestream is available on the Cooper Sport YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/TqbgPXgUuIg?si=bOw09CsTZpRxDMbu.
It will start at 16:00 PHT with the battle for bronze between Chinese Taipei and Singapore, followed by the championship match between the Volcanoes and Thailand.
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As the Men’s 15s Volcanoes make their debut in the Unions Cup, they are aiming to make it a debut to remember—with a championship win.

​​For updates and match results, follow @philippinerugby on social media or visit www.philippines.rugby.

About the 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, the PRFU is dedicated to the development and promotion of rugby across the country, from grassroots to elite levels. It oversees various programs, competitions, and national teams, with the aim of making rugby a major sport in the Philippines.

For inquiries, please contact:
[email protected]

by Mark Villamora

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan - The playing squad of the Philippine Men’s Volcanoes Team for the 2025 Unions Cup Match 1 were officially announced during their Jersey Presentation, earlier today on July 8.

The following are the Men’s Volcanoes representing the country:
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1.   Thomas REYES (Loose Head FR)
2.   James RYAN (Hooker FR)
3.   Lawrence REBOSO (Tighthead FR)
4.   Craig Alexander WALLACE (Lock) – Vice Captain
5.   Kian Fernando MULHOLLAND (Lock)
6.   Dylan Duncan DAVIES (Flanker)
7.   Christopher FLORES (Flanker)
8.   Edlen HERNANDEZ (No. 8)
9.   Hamish Roland Henry SEDDON (Scrum Half)
10.   Kai Kristian STROEM (Fly Half) – Captain
11.   Vincent Francis YOUNG (Wing)
12.   Judd GREENHALGH (Centre)
13.   Ned Ralph STEPHENSON (Centre)
14.   Michael Moses BLATTEIS (Wing)
15.   Patrice David Louis OLIVIER (Fullback)

Reserves:
16. Fausto Martin EIZMENDI (Reserve – Hooker FR)
17. Ken Edvin MELLORIN (Reserve – Prop FR)
18. John Mark CARDENAS (Reserve – Prop FR)
19. Mathew Conrad BELLENIE (Reserve – FR)
20. Connor Augustus David BROWNE (Reserve)
21. Johnathan Paul GREENWOOD (Reserve)
22. Kohei MITSUHASHI (Reserve)
23. Jovan King Jasper MASALUNGA (Reserve)

​The team is led by Head Coach Josh Sutcliffe and Assistant Coach Tommy Gilbert, with physiotherapists Dr. David Adamson and Jun Whei Cheah. The entire men’s squad is managed by Team Manager Lalaine Bacus.

As the Men’s 15s Volcanoes Team make their debut in the Unions Cup, they are aiming to clinch a win in their opening match against Singapore on July 9 at 16:00 PHT.

​For updates and match results, follow @philippinerugby on social media or visit www.philippines.rugby.

About the 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, the PRFU is dedicated to the development and promotion of rugby across the country, from grassroots to elite levels. It oversees various programs, competitions, and national teams, with the aim of making rugby a major sport in the Philippines.

For inquiries, please contact:
[email protected]

by Mark Villamora

KAOSHIUNG, Taiwan – The Philippine Men’s Volcanoes are set to make their much-anticipated debut in the Unions Cup, a premier 15-a-side senior men’s rugby competition. This year’s tournament will be staged at the impressive 55,000-seat Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan, on July 9 and 12.

The Unions Cup was established last year to strengthen regional competition in Asia, with the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) signing a Memorandum of Agreement to join the tournament in its second edition. This marks a new chapter for Philippine Rugby, expanding opportunities for high-level international test matches.

A squad of 26 players arrived in Kaohsiung yesterday and will undergo intensive preparations leading up to their opening fixture on July 9. The final squad of 23 players to represent the Philippines will be announced soon.

Travelling squad:
Lawrence Beboso, Mat Bellenie, John Mark Cardenas, Thomas Reyes, Ken Edvin Luis Mellorin, Fausto Eizmendi, James Halasan Ryan, Connor Browne, Kian Mulholland, Craig Bayer Wallace, Ardiel Lapid, Edlen Hernandez, Dylan Davies, Christopher Del Rosario Flores, Jonathan Greenwood, Hamish Seddon, Kai Stroem, Kohei Mitsuhasi, Jovan Masalunga, Li Wing Sang Canapi, Ned Stephenson, Aljon Rae Alcoseba, Michael Blatteis, Judd Greenhalgh, Patrice Olivier, Vincent Young.

Staff:
Head Coach Joshua Sutcliffe, Assistant Coach Tommy Gilbert, Team Manager Lalaine Bacus, Physiotherapists David Adamson and Jun Whei Cheah.

The Unions Cup is hosted by participating nations on a rotating basis—first held in Singapore, and this year organized by Chinese Taipei. With the Philippines now part of this growing tournament, there may be opportunities to bring the competition to Manila in future editions.

“This is a significant tournament for our program,” said Ada Milby, President of the Philippine Rugby Football Union.

“Test matches like these are crucial for developing our players and building a strong future for 15s rugby in the Philippines. As the first test match since 2019, we’re proud to see our men's team competing on this stage and look forward to showcasing the heart, discipline, and resilience that define Philippine Rugby.”

The four-union tournament—currently featuring Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines—aims to revitalize the 15s game in East Asia and give test nations more regular, meaningful international fixtures.

​For updates and match results, follow @philippinerugby on social media or visit www.philippines.rugby.

About the 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, the PRFU is dedicated to the development and promotion of rugby across the country, from grassroots to elite levels. It oversees various programs, competitions, and national teams, with the aim of making rugby a major sport in the Philippines.

For inquiries, please contact:
[email protected]