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by Mark Villamora The Philippine Men’s XVs Volcanoes opened their Unions Cup 2026 campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Laos 74–0 at the NKRAFA Pitch in Thailand. Raphael Barberis opened the scoring for the Volcanoes with an early try, giving the Philippines a 7–0 lead. Charles Warren soon added another try to extend the advantage to 12–0, before Benjamin Mudie crossed the line to make it 17–0. Warren scored his second try of the match after a brilliant pass from Barberis, pushing the score to 22–0. Tommy Gilbert then powered through multiple defenders to score, giving the Volcanoes a 27–0 lead. Michael Blatteis finished a brilliant team move involving Ned Stephenson and Barberis, with Stephenson adding the conversion to make it 34–0 at halftime. The Volcanoes continued their momentum in the second half as Blatteis scored his second try after a pass from James Ryan, followed by a Stephenson conversion for a 41–0 lead. Richard Lewis then produced a powerful bulldozer run through multiple Laos defenders to score, with Kyle Westbrook adding his first conversion points on debut (48–0). Sean Sweetman delivered another dominant carry, forcing his way over the line as Westbrook converted to make it 55–0. Ned Stephenson added another try after a strong scrum from the Volcanoes pack, with Westbrook converting for 62–0. Connor Browne scored another try after a quick-thinking move from a scrum, and Westbrook added the conversion to extend the lead to 69–0. Westbrook capped off his Volcanoes debut with his first try for the national team, finishing a brilliant play from Chezter Altea, who kicked ahead, chased the ball, and delivered the final pass. The try sealed the Philippines’ emphatic 74–0 victory over Laos.  Kyle Westbrook dives over for his first Volcanoes try, sealing the Philippines' 74–0 victory over Laos. The Volcanoes now begin their Unions Cup 2026 campaign with a statement win. Despite the dominant opening performance, Head Coach Josh emphasized that the team's focus remains on the two remaining matches as they continue their title defense. He also called on the Filipino rugby community around the world to rally behind the Volcanoes. "I really encourage anyone who's here in Bangkok to come out and watch us. And if you're at home, please support us online. The games will be streamed. We feel your support no matter where in the world you are. So, if you're in the Philippines, if you're in Manila, if you're in the provinces, or if you're in my mom's hometown of Bacolod, please support us and watch what we're doing," he said. With their opening win secured, the Volcanoes now shift their focus to Singapore on July 15 at 5:00 p.m. (PHT) at the NKRAFA Pitch in Thailand. The defending champions will look to build on their strong start as they continue their campaign to retain the Unions Cup 2026 title. About the Philippine Rugby Football Union The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) is the governing body for rugby in the Philippines. Established in 1998, PRFU is dedicated to developing and promoting rugby across the country, from grassroots participation to elite competition. The Union oversees domestic competitions, national development programs, and the Philippine national rugby teams, with the goal of growing rugby as a leading sport in the Philippines. For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] PRFU Announces Top 30 Squad and Seven Players Selected for the Asian Barbarians at Unions Cup 20267/11/2026
by Mark Villamora
The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) has announced its travelling squad for the Unions Cup 2026, sending 37 players and five management staff to Bangkok, Thailand, from July 12–18, as the team aims to defend its Unions Cup title. In addition, seven members of the Philippine squad have been selected to represent the Asian Barbarians, a representative side composed of players from different rugby unions across Asia. The following are the Top 30 players of the Philippine Men's 15s Rugby National Team, from which the 23-man matchday squad will be selected throughout the three matches of the Unions Cup.
Head Coach: Joshua Torres Sutcliffe Assistant Coach: Robert Luceno Fogerty Physiotherapists: Jun Whei Cheah & Archibald Look Team Manager: Lalaine Joyce Bacus The following seven Filipino players have also been selected to join the Asian Barbarians during the tournament:
Nineteen of the 37-player travelling squad are new additions compared to last year's Unions Cup squad. The group includes standout performers from the local rugby scene, members of the Philippine Men's Sevens National Team, and players making their debut as part of the Volcanoes program. The team arrived in Bangkok on July 7 and has begun its intensive training camp ahead of its opening match against Laos on July 12 at 3:00 PM (PHT) at NKRAFA Pitch in Saraburi, Thailand. The tournament will also be played at the Armed Forces Development Command (AFDC) Stadium and conclude at the Nonthaburi Provincial Stadium (NONPAO), with all venues located in Bangkok. Stay updated by following the Philippine Rugby Football Union's social media platforms for the latest news, match updates, and results from the Unions Cup 2026. About the Philippine Rugby Football Union The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) is the governing body for rugby in the Philippines. Established in 1998, PRFU is dedicated to developing and promoting rugby across the country, from grassroots participation to elite competition. The Union oversees domestic competitions, national development programs, and the Philippine national rugby teams, with the goal of growing rugby as a leading sport in the Philippines. For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] by Mark Villamora There is something remarkable about 16-year-old Pass It Back (PIB) coach Rachel Pontero from Olongapo. At a young age, she is already challenging traditional ideas about coaching and helping shape what the next generation of coaches could look like.  Rachel Pontero (16), a Pass It Back Youth Coach from Olongapo City, Philippines. Many former players enter coaching carrying the same pressures, expectations, and even traumas they experienced under their own coaches. Some unknowingly pass these on to the athletes they mentor. Rachel, however, takes a different approach. She believes that every player is unique and that effective coaching comes from understanding individual needs, strengths, and challenges. For her, an individualized approach is not just a coaching style - it is the foundation of good leadership. “Hindi ko po nakikita yung sarili ko na ganon po sa mga players ko na sobrang harsh, sobrang lala magsalita, kasi ayokong may isang player na dun na sila mag-stop.” “I don’t see myself being that kind of coach to my players who is very harsh and speaks very badly, because I don’t want a single player to have those reasons that they stop.” Every player is different, and as she works closely with and lives in the same community as the youth of PIB Olongapo, it breaks her heart to see them go through experiences they should not have to endure. “May mga time na natataasan ko sila ng boses pero di po talaga ako gumagamit ng mga salitang alam kong makakasakit sa kanila, kasi naranasan ko po kasi yun, alam ko po yung pakiramdam.” “There are times I raise my voice at them, but I really don’t use words that I know will hurt them, because I have experienced that too, I know how it feels.” Rachel believes there is power in observation, a value highly emphasized by her parents while she was growing up. This has helped her become a coach who makes everyone feel seen and provides individualized guidance for each player. She believes that despite living in the same community, every youth in Olongapo still has different walks of life. “Encouragement at pagiging malapit po talaga sa kanila [players], dun po ako mas naging mas open at mas nakilala ko pa po sila isa-isa.” “Through encouragement and being close to them [the players], that’s where I become more open and get to know them more one by one.” The young coach also shared an unforgettable journey she had where it became the “pass that came back” to her. Coach Reflection Narrative  Youth Coach Rachel "Che" Pontero (16), from Pass It Back Youth in Olongapo City, Philippines. "May mga pagkakataon sa pagiging coach na hindi mo inaasahang magiging mahalaga sa’yo. Hindi ito yung mga sandali na may malalaking panalo o may palakpakan ng maraming tao. Minsan, nagsisimula lang sa isang simpleng training tahimik, ordinaryo, pero may isang moment na unti-unting nagiging mahalaga habang naiintindihan mo ang ibig sabihin nito.
Naalala ko pa sa bawat training namin. Bilang bagong coach, hindi ko maitatanggi na may kaba ako. Maraming tanong ang pumapasok sa isip ko noon. Kaya ko ba silang turuan? Maiintindihan ba nila ang mga sinasabi ko? Magiging sapat ba ako bilang coach para sa kanila? Habang nagsisimula kami sa warm-up, pinapanuod ko lang sila. Tumatakbo sila sa field, nag-iistretching, sinusunod ang mga simpleng instructions. Sa dami ng players, may isang player na unti-unting nakakuha ng pansin ko. Hindi dahil siya ang pinaka magaling, at hindi rin dahil siya ang pinaka maingay. Tahimik lang siya, pero makikita mo sa kilos niya na seryoso siya sa ginagawa niya. Habang ipinapakita ko ang pag pasa at salo ng bola, napansin ko na nakatingin siya nang mabuti. Para bang bawat galaw na ipinapakita ko ay gusto niyang maintindihan. Nang magsimula na silang gawin ang drills, doon ko nakita na nahihirapan pa siya sa umpisa. May mga bola na hindi niya agad nasasalo at may mga pasa na hindi pa tama ang lakas o direksyon.Pero sa halip na tumigil o mapahiya, ginawa niya ang isang bagay na para sa akin ay napakahalaga. Sinubukan niya ulit. Kapag nahulog ang bola, pupulutin niya ito at susubukan ulit. Kapag nagkamali ang pasa, babawi siya sa susunod. At kapag may sinabi akong correction, makikita mo sa kilos niya na talagang sinusubukan niyang gawin nang mas maayos. Habang pinapanuod ko siya noon, may naramdaman akong kakaiba bilang coach. Parang sa bawat attempt niya, may mensaheng sinasabi ang effort niya na gusto niyang matuto, na gusto niyang gumaling, at na handa siyang magtiyaga kahit hindi madali. At doon ako naging proud. Hindi dahil nakita ko ang pinaka magaling na player sa team. Kundi dahil nakita ko ang isang player na may tapang magsimula at may puso para matuto. Sa totoo lang, habang pinapanuod ko siyang paulit-ulit na sumusubok, may isang bagay din akong napansin sa sarili ko. Parang sa bawat effort niya, mas lalo akong na m-motivate na turuan sya/sila. Doon ko naintindihan na ang pagiging coach ay hindi lang tungkol sa paghahanap ng magagaling na players. Ito ay tungkol sa pagkilala sa mga players na may determinasyon yung mga taong handang matuto kahit mahirap, at handang mag grow kahit nagsisimula pa lang at mayroong disiplina sa sarili. May isang player na tahimik na lumalaban para gumaling at matuto. At may isang coach na tahimik ding natutong maniwala sa kahalagahan ng bawat maliit na effort. Dahil minsan, ang pinakamagandang simula ng isang player ay hindi nakikita sa galing niya sa umpisa… nakikita ito sa paraan ng pagbangon niya sa bawat pagkakamali. At bilang coach sobrang halaga ang bawat pagtuturo, at bawat encouragement na ibinibigay namin sa kanila. Dahil sa simpleng training na iyon, may isang player na nagpapaalala sa akin kung bakit mahalaga ang ginagawa namin na ang sports ay hindi lang tungkol sa panalo, kundi tungkol sa paglago, tiyaga, at sa puso na patuloy na sumusubok. At sa moment na iyon, naintindihan ko na habang tinutulungan ko silang maging mas mabuting players…unti-unti rin akong hinuhubog para maging mas mabuting coach.” - Coach Che (16), Pass It Back Olongapo City, Philippines There are moments in being a coach that you don’t expect to become so meaningful. These aren’t the times with big wins or loud applause from many people. Sometimes, it starts with a simple, quiet, ordinary training—but then there’s a moment that gradually becomes significant as you understand its meaning. I still remember every training we’ve had. As a new coach, I can’t deny that I was nervous. Many questions ran through my mind back then: Can I really teach them? Will they understand what I’m saying? Will I be enough as a coach for them? As we began the warm-up, I just watched them. They ran on the field, stretched, followed the simple instructions. Among so many players, there was one who gradually caught my attention. Not because she was the best, and not because she was the loudest. She was quiet, but you could see in her actions that she was serious about what she was doing. As I demonstrated passing and catching the ball, I noticed her watching closely, as if she wanted to understand every movement I showed. When they began the drills, I saw that she struggled at first. There were balls she couldn’t catch immediately, and some passes weren’t yet at the right strength or direction. But instead of stopping or feeling embarrassed, she did something that, to me, was incredibly important. She tried again. When the ball fell, she picked it up and tried again. When a pass went wrong, she corrected it the next time. And whenever I gave a correction, you could see in her actions that she genuinely tried to do better. As I watched her, I felt something unusual as a coach. With every attempt, her effort sent a message: she wanted to learn, she wanted to improve, and she was ready to persevere even when it wasn’t easy. And that’s when I felt proud. Not because I saw the best player on the team, But because I saw a player with the courage to start and the heart to learn. Honestly, as I watched her keep trying, I also noticed something in myself. With every effort she made, I became even more motivated to teach her—and all of them. That’s when I understood that being a coach isn’t just about finding the most talented players. It’s about recognizing those with determination—people willing to learn even when it’s hard, willing to grow even when they’re just starting, and who have discipline in themselves. There is a quiet player fighting to improve and learn, And there is a quiet coach learning to value every small effort. Because sometimes, a player’s best beginning isn’t seen in their initial skill… It’s seen in how they rise after every mistake. And as a coach, every lesson we teach, every encouragement we give, is invaluable. Because in that simple training, one player reminded me why what we do is important: sports are not just about winning—they are about growth, perseverance, and the heart to keep trying. And in that moment, I realized that as I help them become better players… I am slowly being shaped into a better coach as well. - Coach Che (16), Pass It Back Olongapo City, Philippines For Rachel Pontero, she challenges the new generation of coaches to consistently connect with their players, intentionally understand each individual, and remain mindful in avoiding coaching approaches that reflect their own past traumatic player experiences during the transition into coaching. These significant milestones of youth coaches in Pass It Back are made possible through the Southeast Asia Sport and Youth Crime Prevention (SYCP) Initiative. Another youth from a vulnerable community has had their life changed and is now passing on positive change to more fellow youth. 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. About Southeast Asia Sport and Youth Crime Prevention (SYCP) Initiative The SYCP Initiative is a visionary and groundbreaking programme that uses sport to build safer and more resilient communities. Initiated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Agence française de développement (AFD), the Initiative is coordinated by the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice (AoS) and delivered in collaboration with a wide network of national, regional and international partners. About Pass It Back Pass It Back is an integrated rugby and life skills learning curriculum designed by ChildFundRugby to equip children and young people to overcome challenges, inspire positive social change, and ‘pass it back’ to their communities. Through play-based learning, young people gain critical social and emotional skills that build confidence, resilience, and leadership – both on and off the field. About ChildFund Rugby ChildFund Rugby, World Rugby’s Global Social Impact Partner, harnesses the power of rugby to drive positive social change, supporting children and young people in vulnerable situations to build leadership, resilience, and shape their own futures. For inquiries, please contact: [email protected]  by Mark Villamora As the world celebrates Women’s Month, the continued growth of girls’ participation in rugby in Olongapo City stands as a powerful example of how sport can create opportunities, confidence, and leadership among young women. Through the Pass It Back program of the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU), more girls are not only playing the sport but also stepping into leadership roles as youth coaches, helping shape the next generation of athletes. With support from the Southeast Asia Sport and Youth Crime Prevention (SYCP) Initiative, the PRFU delivers Pass It Back, a rugby and life-skills program empowering young people and strengthening communities. In Olongapo City, the program has expanded safe opportunities for girls on and off the field. Recent data from the Pass It Back program highlights how female participation continues to lead the way. Across three seasons of the program from August 2024 to December 2025, Pass It Back Olongapo engaged 530 youth players, with almost 60 percent being girls. Among the participants was one female player with a disability, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusion and equal access to sport. The program also welcomed nine non-cisgender participants, showcasing its dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all young athletes.  In every season, female participation has consistently outnumbered male participation. This trend shows that girls make up the majority of participants in the local program, demonstrating a strong and growing interest in rugby among young women in the community.  Equally important is the development of female leadership within the program. Across the past three seasons, Pass It Back Olongapo has been supported by 14 female youth coaches compared to 12 male coaches. Women have consistently represented the majority of coaches in the program, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to empowering women not only as athletes but also as mentors and leaders in sport.  Pass It Back coach training in Subic, Aug 2025 For many participants, Pass It Back is more than just a sports program. It is a platform where girls gain confidence, build friendships, and learn life skills that extend far beyond the rugby field. With more female coaches stepping up and more girls joining teams each season, the program is helping reshape the landscape of youth rugby in the Philippines.
As Women’s Month reminds us of the importance of creating equal opportunities, Pass It Back Olongapo shows how intentional investment in girls’ sport can transform communities. By ensuring that girls have the space to play, lead, and thrive, the program continues to pass the ball forward to the next generation of women in rugby. The PRFU would like to thank the Southeast Asia Sport and Youth Crime Prevention (SYCP) Initiative for awarding us a grant to create more opportunities for girls and young women in youth rugby. This support allows Pass It Back to create safe spaces where youth, especially girls and those at higher risk, can build confidence, develop life skills, and form positive connections, empowering young people and strengthening communities. 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. About Southeast Asia Sport and Youth Crime Prevention (SYCP) Initiative The SYCP Initiative is a visionary and groundbreaking programme that uses sport to build safer and more resilient communities. Initiated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Agence française de développement (AFD), the Initiative is coordinated by the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice (AoS) and delivered in collaboration with a wide network of national, regional and international partners. About Pass It Back Pass It Back is an integrated rugby and life skills learning curriculum designed by ChildFundRugby to equip children and young people to overcome challenges, inspire positive social change, and ‘pass it back’ to their communities. Through play-based learning, young people gain critical social and emotional skills that build confidence, resilience, and leadership – both on and off the field. About ChildFund Rugby ChildFund Rugby, World Rugby’s Global Social Impact Partner, harnesses the power of rugby to drive positive social change, supporting children and young people in vulnerable situations to build leadership, resilience, and shape their own futures. For inquiries, please contact: [email protected]  by Mark Villamora The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) proudly announces the travelling squad that will represent the country at the SEA Women’s XVs Championship 2026, to be held at Padang Astaka, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from February 8–14, 2026. Following a seven-year hiatus, the Philippine Women’s Rugby National Team returns to the international XVs stage, marking an important step forward in the continued growth of women’s rugby in the country. The PRFU extends its appreciation to the Southeast Asia Rugby Federation (SEARF) and the Malaysia Rugby Union for hosting this championship, which provides valuable international exposure and strengthens regional competitiveness.  Below is the official travelling line-up of the Philippine Women’s Rugby XVs National Team:
Players
Coaching & Management Staff Head Coach: Hasan Ilter Assistant Coach: Serupepeli Naqasima Physiotherapists: Rico Barin (Camp), Jun Whei Cheah (On-Tour) Team Manager: Lalaine Joyce Bacus The Philippine Women’s XVs team will open its campaign on Wednesday, February 11, against Singapore, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM. 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] |
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