PHILIPPINE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION
  • ABOUT US
    • Calendar
    • Strategic Plan
    • Sponsor Rugby
    • RUGBY 101
    • Constitution and By Laws
    • Lifetime Members
    • Growing the Game - Retention Strategy
    • Sustainability
    • Audited Financial Statement
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • CLUB RUGBY & YOUTH RUGBY
    • Club Rugby
    • Schools & Youth Rugby
    • Get Into Rugby
    • Development Team
    • Training and Education
    • Support Foundation Programs
    • PRFU New Player Registration
    • Club Rugby Player Registration
    • Match Officials >
      • COVID-19 - Return to Rugby
    • Domestic Rugby Results >
      • PRFU 15s >
        • 2020 15s
      • PRFU 7s >
        • 2019 PRFU 7s
  • NATIONAL TEAMS
    • Player Recruitment
    • Talent I.D & Recruitment Days
    • Player Profiles >
      • Men's 15s
      • Women's 15s
      • Men's 7s
      • Women's 7s
      • Rising Stars
    • National Women's Program
    • Men's 7s
    • Men's 15s
    • National Development Teams
    • National Youth Teams
    • National Teams Resource Page
  • PRFU POLICY STATEMENTS
    • Player Welfare
    • World Rugby Anti-Doping Regulations
    • PRFU Code of Conduct
    • PRFU Child Safeguarding Policy
    • Competition Sanctioning
  • CONTACT US
  • Shop
  • Hiring

news

Young Lady Volcanoes tour to India for Rugby development

10/26/2018

 
​The U18 national girls rugby team, sponsored by MVP Sports Foundation and First Pacific, have embarked on an international tour to India as part of Philippine Rugby’s continuous growth to develop women’s rugby across Asia. 

The Philippines will join 11 other nations as part of the 3 day event, with the opening ceremony kicking off tonight before the first round of games. The young lady Volcanoes have drawn top seeds China, Laos and Qatar in Pool A. Other nations competing in the event include Sri Lanka, UAE, Bangladesh, Thailand, Hong Kong, Nepal, Chinese Taipei and hosts India. 
Picture
Ysabel del Fierro
​The national youth womens team comprises of the top up and coming talent across the country. The athletes have been selected as part of the grassroots development program across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Inna Kwan represents Cebu and the Visayas, Diana Cosare, Aira Lumanta and the Hifume sisters Angelie & Angela representing Davao and Mindanao. Maylene Dadivas of the Makati Chiefs, Ysabel Del Fierro of the Santos Knight Frank Mavericks and Yamani Dumlao of the Subic Sharks also being selected. Four members of Eagles RFC will compete the line up, Satchi Gonzalez, Briela Baui, Atasha Muhlach and Nicole Kovanen all representing Luzon. 

The U18s Girls Sevens program has been running for two years, a positive investment into the ongoing development of womens Rugby in the Philippines according to Jake Letts of Philippine Rugby. “It’s important for Philippine Rugby to continue to develop grassroots and national youth programs, without them, we don’t have a future. These athletes will become our next generation of elite national players who will go onto represent the Philippines in future SEA Games, Asian Games, and hopefully, one day in the Olympics”. 
Picture
Nicole Kovanen
​The Philippine Rugby program has been backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and MVP Sports Foundation in addition to other corporate sponsors. The recent success of the Women’s Lady Volcanoes in Brunei just last weekend shows the signs of a positive path for the women’s sevens program.

“Our ladies finished with a Silver Medal last weekend in Brunei, winning 5 from 6 games. The U18s players featured in India this weekend will have their eyes set on making the next step up to the women’s team after this tournament. We want to be able to expose these girls to international standards of play for their development. Truth is, they have what it takes to play in next years SEA Games. They need to show signs of that this weekend” shared Letts. 

Nicole Kovanen is the sole player who has already made the next step. Kovanen boasts strength, power and was part of the Lady Volcanoes silver medal winning team. She will be a key figure for the girls this weekend. The U18s will be coached by experienced Lady Volcano Kaye Honoras, with the assistance of Chris Everingham for Strength & Conditioning and Performance. 

For live streaming, follow Philippine Rugby on Facebook. Match schedule below:

October 26 Friday: 
vs. China @ 22:52 PH time

October 27 Saturday: 
vs. Laos @ 16:50 PH time
vs. Qatar @ 18:52 PH time 

October 28 Sunday
*finals to be decided

First Pacific Lady Volcanoes Win 5 from 6, secure silver medal in Asia Trophy Series

10/22/2018

 
​The Philippine national women’s rugby team, the Lady Volcanoes finished with an impressive win/loss record in Brunei over the weekend for the 2018 Asia Trophy Series. The Lady Volcanoes bagged the silver medal winning five games straight, before falling just short in the Gold Medal match. 

The 2018 Asia Trophy Series was contested over two days, with 10 teams competing. The Philippines drew Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal in Pool B; in Pool A saw Indonesia, Malaysia, Guam, Brunei and Laos.

The Lady Volcanoes, sponsored by First Pacific and MVP Sports Foundation, started their first game with a strong performance defeating Uzbekistan 12 points to 10. Uzbekistan’s size advantage was outclassed with the Philippines skill and speed. Not long after, the Volcanoes backed this performance up, comfortably defeating Pakistan 38 points to 0 in their second match. In their third match of the day, the Philippines faced Top seeds in Pool B India and held onto win 17 to 10, a stellar performance after Day 1 where the Philippines remained the only unbeaten team on the first day. 
Picture
​Early on day two the Philippines handed Nepal a 43 points to nil victory, securing their position on the top of Pool B with four wins from four matches. The Volcanoes progressed to the Top 4 and faced Guam in the Semi Final, where the Philippines held onto win 10 to 7 to book their place in the Gold Medal match against Malaysia. 

The Malaysians suffered an earlier defeat over Guam on day one, however defeated Uzbekistan in Semi Final (2) to also secure their position in the Gold Medal match. The competition all weekend remained as a tightly contested tournament. The Lady Volcanoes were confident with going unbeaten the whole tournament, boasting the only undefeated team as they approached the Gold Medal match. 

The Philippines played exciting Rugby 7s all weekend, featuring key performances from several players in the national team according to Jake Letts of Philippine Rugby “It was great to see the team perform. Aiumi Ono was outstanding, Rassiel Sales showed pure speed, Sylvia Tudoc with fantastic Rugby awareness and Nicole Kovanen with brute strength and go forward. The whole team as a group played attacking Rugby, it was great to watch”
Picture
The Gold Medal match remained tightly contested ---the Malaysians scoring first, making it 5 points to nil. The Volcanoes returned with a converted try to take the lead 7 to 5. However it was the Malaysians who broke away scoring making it 10 to 7 late in the second half; the Philippines running out of time and finishing with the silver medal. 

“It was a fantastic weekend for women’s rugby in Asia to see 10 teams represented in this tournament - the most we’ve ever had competing for the trophy. The level of competition was very competitive especially from Guam, Uzbekistan and Malaysia. We went undefeated the entire tournament until the final match against Malaysia and although we wish the final result was different, I couldn’t be more proud of how the team performed overall. Not only is it the best result the team has ever had in a single tournament, the entire team was composed of Philippine homegrown players. The program is on track for a competitive rematch against Malaysia in the Southeast Asian Games next year,” shared Ada Milby, Head Coach for the Philippine team. 

“The Ladies looked strong, well-conditioned and well prepared for the final match, however once bounce of the ball the wrong way in 7s rugby can cost you. Unfortunately for us Malaysia took their opportunities and maximized points when they were on offer, credit to both teams, a great match to watch, very proud of our girls efforts the entire weekend,” shared Chris Everingham, Performance and Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Volcanoes.

​Women’s Rugby in the Philippines continues to go from strength to strength; the U18 National Team will travel to India on Wednesday to compete in the U18s Asia Sevens Championships next weekend in Bhubaneswar.

First Pacific Lady Volcanoes set for Trophy Series

10/18/2018

 
​The national women’s rugby team, proudly sponsored by First Pacific and the MVP Sports Foundation are hoping to repeat success for Philippine Rugby as they compete for the 2018 Asia Trophy Series in Brunei this weekend. 

The Lady Volcanoes will face India, Pakistan, Nepal and Uzbekistan in Pool B. Other nations in the Trophy Series include Malaysia, Laos, Brunei and Guam. 

The women’s program has had an internal boost for 2018, following their second place finish in June for the Asia Rugby Championships (ARC) according to their General Manager Jake Letts.
Picture
Dixie Yu - Cebu Lady Dragons
​“Women’s Rugby in the Philippines has made some positive strides in the last 12 months, we recently competed in the ARC in June, a first time since 2012 and our National Youth Team competed in the Youth Olympic Qualifiers late last year, two tournaments that usually were not in our international calendar however thanks to the PRFU, our sponsors and the Philippine Sports Commission, we are able to raise funding and compete in more tournaments each year and develop the program” shared Letts.

The Lady Volcanoes have recently been linked to MVP Sports Foundation, a partnership with the aim to medal at next year’s Southeast Asian Games. “We have working closely with MVPSF and First Pacific since 2014, most evidently in our National Youth Programs. For 2018 however we strategised together to see what other programs would benefit their support, our National Women’s Program is one that offers huge potential considering their success over the last few years” Letts added. 
Picture
Rassiel Sales - Santos Knight Frank Mavericks
The Philippines will be using the Trophy Series as a preparation tournament for the SEA Games next year. Rassiel Sales and Sylvia Tudoc of the Santos Knight Frank Mavericks both selected after impressive performances in the local domestic competitions. Alongside these two include Dixie Yu and Madille Salinas from Cebu, and experienced leaders Acee San Juan from Eagles RFC and Aiumi Ono of the Makati Chiefs all aiming to put their best foot forward for the country.  
Picture
Aiumi Ono - Makati Chiefs
A strong base of locally developed players and local domestic competitions presented an opportunity for the Philippines to be well prepared for the upcoming tournament. The Lady Volcanoes have been preparing for months, under the guidance of new Head Coach Ada Milby, Performance Manager and Strength & Conditioning Coach Chris Everingham, and team leader Kaye Honoras. 

​The competition will be held at Seria, Brunei, at the Panaga Club. The Philippines face Uzbekistan, Pakistan and India on day 1 of the tournament. The finals to be played on day 2.

Globe Ph Volcanoes shock Asia; secure a spot in the prestigious Hong Kong 7s World Series Qualifier in 2019

10/15/2018

 
Picture
PH Volcanoes in high spirits on day two of the Asia Rugby 7s Series
After an intense seven weeks of competition, the Philippine Volcanoes powered by Globe Telecom, have achieved what only they knew was possible -- qualification into the 2019 Hong Kong Sevens, the premier tournament on the World Sevens Series competition.

The Volcanoes found themselves in the final stage of the three-leg 2018 Asia Sevens Series in Sri Lanka this weekend, needing no less than a Bronze medal finish to clinch over-all third place in the series behind powerhouses Japan and Hong Kong.

The first day saw the Volcanoes up against Asian Games bronze medalists, Korea where an in-form Philippine team came up with a convincing 34 to 5 victory. In the second match, the Volcanoes were up against arch rivals from Southeast Asia and current SEA Games gold medalists Malaysia, with the Volcanoes holding on to win 24 to 19. Despite the win, the Volcanoes didn’t come away unscathed, losing 4 players to injuries and a suspension to Vincent Amar Young for an accidental high ball collision.
Picture
Ryan Reyes Howe
On day two, three players were ruled unavailable, with Mark Mapacpac Roberts and Robert Luceno Fogerty out from an accidental head collision, while Young still needed to serve his two-game suspension from his Saturday infraction. This however did not stop the fire the Volcanoes had within, as they strung together three consistently good performances against the best Asia has to offer. The Volcanoes led the number one ranked team and over all champions, Japan 12 to 7 early into the second half, matching efforts for majority of the match until falling in the last play of the game which ended 21 to 12 in favor of the champions.

With a two from three standing, the Volcanoes progressed to the semi-finals where they faced second seeds, Hong Kong. In another valiant display, the Volcanoes showed true grit almost forcing one of the biggest upsets of the season with Hong Kong needing to score in the final seconds to secure their spot in the grand final. The 19 to 12 loss was heartbreaking for the Volcanoes but also showed them that they could pose a serious challenge to the best teams in Asia.
Picture
Jonico Ater Hardwick
The final match of the day was written to script, the Philippines faced tournament hosts Sri Lanka Tuskers for spot in the Top 3. Both teams were on equal points on the ladder and both had an even head-to-head record over the course of the series. The Tuskers defeated the Volcanoes in round 1 in Hong Kong, the Volcanoes got their retribution in round 2 in Korea two weeks later and they now faced each other for the third and final time to decide who takes the last ticket to the 2019 Hong Kong Sevens and a chance to qualify for the World Series. The Volcanoes saved their best performance to last, securing a 19 to 7 victory over the home town heroes.

“It’s an amazing feeling! We knew we had the team to do it but to play with only 8 fit players against the top teams in Asia and to perform the way we did -- I’m over the moon and so proud of the boys” shared Volcanoes Captain, Christopher Arpon Bird.

The Volcanoes finish 2018 in third place in Asia, and currently sit in first place amongst their southeast Asian neighbors, an achievement nothing short of remarkable according to their General Manager, Jake Letts.
“It’s a special feeling for the team, they deserve it. The coaching staff and players have worked so hard for a very long period of time. It has taken years to get back to this point. The way they performed – I have only the upmost respect for what they achieved and can continue to achieve. Credit goes to all involved, past and present, sponsors, our staff and Executive Board and the entire Philippine Rugby community,” Letts added.

It has taken the Volcanoes six years to return to the world’s elite, last qualifying for the Hong Kong 7s in 2012 and reaching the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow, Russia, a year later. Since then, the Volcanoes have tirelessly battled it out amongst Asia’s best for the chance to once again compete with the world’s best teams.

The result will be etched into the history books, marking a special occasion for Philippine Rugby who has their sites on growth and development in the years to come.

Globe Volcanoes Save Strongest Team to Last

10/7/2018

 
The Philippine Volcanoes are one week away from securing a Top 3 in Asia standing according to their General Manager, Jake Letts. Letts believes timing has fallen perfectly after the national team will have 18 athletes vying for 12 positions. 
 
“Our National coaches will have a headache this week, a full contingent of top athletes (18 in total)  aiming to be selected in the Top 12. A great problem to have” shared Letts  
 
The Volcanoes are coming off two positive standings in the first two rounds where the Series has been too close to call. The Philippines will be vying to finish on the podium for the first time since 2013. 
 
“Asia Rugby consists of 31 countries, the last time we ranked in the Top 3 was in 2013. Ever since then we have been floating between 5th and 10th. So, it’s great to see that the Volcanoes will once again be competing for that podium finish in the Sevens Series,” Letts added. 
Picture
Chris Arpon Bird in match against Taipei in 2nd leg of Asia Rugby 7s Series
The Volcanoes won’t have an easy path, they take on Korea (current Asian Games Bronze Medalists) and have to by pass an improving China and the ever experienced Sri Lanka. 

“Currently on the standings, there are 3 points that separate 3rd place and 6th place. Each team has either won or lost a match between each. We defeated Korea and Sri Lanka, China defeated us, Sri Lanka defeated China, Korea defeated Sri Lanka, the list goes on. It’s just too close to call. However come the last leg next weekend, the rankings will be decided as we all face off against each other again and we like our chances, considering we have defeated each of these teams at the recent events” Letts shared. 

 
Head Coach Frano Botica, and his assistants David Johnston and Performance Manager Chris Everingham have a heavy artillery to select from. Returning national players include Donald Canon Coleman, Ryan Reyes Howe and Justin Villazor Coveney will be added to the team from the last tournament. These players will only increase the Philippines chances of winning according to Everingham. 
Picture
Donald Canon Coleman
“It’s likely the most competitive Training Camp we have had for the 2018 Series, player availability wise anyways. The first two training camps have been strong and tough, however the third will be hard, if not harder, ” shared Everingham  
 
The Volcanoes will face off with Korea, Japan and Malaysia in Pool A in Colombo on October 13 and 14 at Racecourse Stadium. 
 
The team will depart Philippine shores on Thursday in preparations for the tournament  ​
<<Previous
    Stay connected with us!
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    December 2020
    September 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    April 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010

    Categories

    All
    Alabang Eagles
    Alabang Ibons
    Al Caravelli
    ALCU Games
    Arfu
    Asian 5 Nations
    Asian Rugby 7s Series
    Bahay Bata
    Batang Pinoy
    Bison
    Borneo 7s
    Cdo Rugby
    Cebu Dragons
    Cebu Lady Dragons
    Clark Jets
    Clark Rugby Club
    Coaching
    Contests
    Csr
    Davao Durians
    Development
    Development Team
    Duyan Ni Maria
    Education
    Globe Immortals
    Hong Kong 7s
    Immortals
    Internationals
    Juniors
    Kiama 7s
    Lady Volcanoes
    Local Tournaments
    Malaysia 7s
    Manila Hapons
    Manila Mayhem
    Manila Nomads
    Manila Vipers
    MANSAC
    Mavericks
    Men's 10s
    Men's 15s
    Men's 7s
    Misc
    Mumbai 7s
    Nomads Carabaos
    Pamantasan Lungsod Ng Maynila
    Pamantasan Lungsod Ng Muntinlupa
    Philippines A Team
    Philippine Volcanoes
    Prfu League
    Pune 7s
    Quezon City Polytechnic University
    Rugby 101
    Rugby World Cup
    Rugby World Cup 7s
    Shanghai 7s
    Singapore 7s
    Taguig City University
    Tarsiers
    Team Selection
    Thailand 7s
    Touraid
    Under 14s
    Under 16s
    Under 18s
    Under 20s
    University Of Makati
    Victory
    Videos
    Vismin Rfu
    Women
    Women's 10s
    Women's 15s
    Women's 7s

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
Picture

    SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter

Subscribe


© Philippine Rugby Football Union 2014-2020
  • ABOUT US
    • Calendar
    • Strategic Plan
    • Sponsor Rugby
    • RUGBY 101
    • Constitution and By Laws
    • Lifetime Members
    • Growing the Game - Retention Strategy
    • Sustainability
    • Audited Financial Statement
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • CLUB RUGBY & YOUTH RUGBY
    • Club Rugby
    • Schools & Youth Rugby
    • Get Into Rugby
    • Development Team
    • Training and Education
    • Support Foundation Programs
    • PRFU New Player Registration
    • Club Rugby Player Registration
    • Match Officials >
      • COVID-19 - Return to Rugby
    • Domestic Rugby Results >
      • PRFU 15s >
        • 2020 15s
      • PRFU 7s >
        • 2019 PRFU 7s
  • NATIONAL TEAMS
    • Player Recruitment
    • Talent I.D & Recruitment Days
    • Player Profiles >
      • Men's 15s
      • Women's 15s
      • Men's 7s
      • Women's 7s
      • Rising Stars
    • National Women's Program
    • Men's 7s
    • Men's 15s
    • National Development Teams
    • National Youth Teams
    • National Teams Resource Page
  • PRFU POLICY STATEMENTS
    • Player Welfare
    • World Rugby Anti-Doping Regulations
    • PRFU Code of Conduct
    • PRFU Child Safeguarding Policy
    • Competition Sanctioning
  • CONTACT US
  • Shop
  • Hiring