 The Philippine Men's Rugby National Team has announced its 13-man squad for the Rugby Sevens tournament at the 2026 Asian Games, set for October 1–3 at Mizuho Park Rugby Field in Nagoya, Japan.
The Philippines has been drawn in a pool with Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore. The Volcanoes face Sri Lanka at 10:05 AM (PHT) on October 1, then take on the UAE at 3:55 PM (PHT) the same day. They close out pool play against Singapore on October 2 at 9:40 AM (PHT). This marks the Philippines' third Asian Games rugby sevens appearance, following the 2014 Incheon Asian Games and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games (held in 2023). Philippine Men's Rugby Sevens Squad 1 – HERNANDEZ, Edlen Gil Robert Cortez 3 – SMITH, Luc Stefan Villalba 4 – BLATTEIS, Michael Moses Gomez 5 – COLEMAN, Donald Keith Canon 6 – STEPHENSON, Ned Ralph Plarizan 7 – BLAKE, Harrison Phillip Carceller 8 – FOGERTY, Robert John Cortez 9 – STROEM, Kai Kristian Ledesma 10 – SEDDON, Hamish Roland Henry Flores 11 – WARREN, Charles Michael Amistozo 12 – BARBERIS, Raphael Jose Pierre Concepcion 13 – SORIANO, Jacob 14 – SCHIRMER, Jason Cale Bonilla Team Staff Head Coach: Darryl Suasua Assistant Coach: Jake Letts (former Philippine Volcanoes player) Team Manager: Lalaine Bacus Physiotherapist: Declan Drake The squad completed a 10-day intensive training camp at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub before flying to Nagoya on September 28. The team is ready to give everything on the pitch and proudly fly the Philippine flag as it takes on some of Asia's strongest rugby sevens teams. About the Philippine Rugby Football Union The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) is the governing body for rugby in the Philippines. Established in 1998, the PRFU is dedicated to developing and promoting rugby across the country, from grassroots to elite levels. It oversees rugby programs, competitions, and national teams, with the goal of making rugby a major sport in the Philippines. Media inquiries: [email protected] Manila Nomads in the Men’s Premiership, and SKF Makati Mavericks in the Women’s and Men’s Development divisions emerged as the leading teams in Leg 1 of the 2026 PRFU 7s, held at the PhilSports Complex on August 22. Manila Nomads Complete Perfect Run in Leg 1 Manila Nomads completed a perfect four-win run in the Men’s Premiership, defeating all three Eagles RFC sides on their way to the Leg 1 title. Eagles RFC entered the Premiership with three men’s teams for the first time, but the Nomads came away with wins in every round, maintaining their unbeaten run from the opening match through the final. The Nomads opened with a 12-5 victory over Ostrich before defeating Ibons, 32-5. They then overcame Eagles RFC, 24-12, before securing the title with a 19-10 victory over Eagles in the final.  Manila Nomads’ [Player Name] scores a try against Eagles RFC. The Leg 1 championship gives Manila Nomads an early advantage over the defending 7s champions and sets up another highly anticipated battle in Leg 2, where SKF Makati Mavericks are also set to join the Men’s Premiership. Justin [Surname] was named the Men’s Premiership MVP for Leg 1. (add photo) SKF Makati Mavericks Women’s Team Eyes Three-Peat Meanwhile, SKF Makati Mavericks Women’s got off to a strong start in their bid for a third consecutive PRFU 7s championship. The Mavericks won all three of their matches against Women’s Eagles RFC, allowing just one try throughout the entire leg. They opened with a 25-5 victory, followed by a 45-5 win and a 38-7 finish.  Mavericks’ Janin Puig makes a strong run with the ball, breaking away from Eagles RFC defenders. With Manila Rogues, last year’s 7s competitors, set to join the Women’s division in Leg 2, the Mavericks will face a tougher challenge as they look to maintain their momentum and remain on course for a third straight title. Lani Brown was named the Women’s MVP for Leg 1. (add photo) SKF Makati Mavericks Complete Perfect Run in Men’s Development SKF Makati Mavericks also made their mark in the Men’s Development division, finishing Leg 1 with a perfect record. The Mavericks opened with a 17-10 win over the returning Albay Bulkans before defeating Manila Hapons, 29-17. They then overcame Manila Carabaos, 29-10, before edging the Hapons, 15-12, in the final to claim the Men’s Development Leg 1 title.  Two young Mavericks' [player names] close in on a lone Manila Carabaos player as they make their play in the PRFU 7s. The division is expected to become even more competitive in Leg 2, with newly rebranded Capital Houndz RFC and Gorillas Rugby set to join the competition. Benz Magallanes was named the Men’s Development MVP for Leg 1. (add photo) Leg 2 Set to Bring Stronger Competition
With more teams expected to join across the divisions, the competition is set to intensify in the second leg of the 2026 PRFU 7s. Leg 2 is scheduled for September 12 at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa City, with the complete team rosters expected to participate across each division. 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]  Pass It Back youth Gerald Belano, Lawrence Laus, Roman Teodoro, and Vhinjie Bataller (right) at the 2026 PRFU 7s Leg 1. by Mark Villamora Four Pass It Back youth players joined the Albay Bulkans 7s team and helped the squad finish third in the Men’s Development Division after defeating the Manila Carabaos, 22-10, at the 2026 PRFU 7s Leg 1 held at PhilSports Complex on August 22. Travelling all the way from Albay, Vhinjie Bataller, Roman Teodoro, Lawrence Laus, and Gerald Belano made their PRFU 7s debut.  Albay Bulkans close out PRFU 7s Leg 1 with a 22-10 victory over the Manila Carabaos. Bulkans' Homegrown Player Vhinjie Bataller started playing rugby with the Albay Bulkans at the age of 12.  Twelve-year-old Vhinjie Bataller playing rugby during the 2019 SKF Touch and Tackle Tournament. After the pandemic, he was introduced to the Pass It Back program. At first, he thought he would simply captain a team, but he eventually became a coach in the program, teaching T1 rugby and life skills to fellow players Roman Teodoro, Lawrence Laus, and Gerald Belano. “Nung una, akala ko po magka-captain lang po ako ng team, pero iyon po, naging coach po ako ng Pass It Back,” said Vhinjie. For Vhinjie, the lessons he learned while coaching Pass It Back continue to help him as he transitions to full-contact Rugby 7s. He emphasized the importance of resilience, knowing that unlike T1 rugby, full-contact rugby would involve more physical challenges. “Ibang-iba na po kapag full contact rugby, talagang kailangan mo ng resiliency. Talagang matutumba at matutumba ka, pero ang importante ay kung paano ka babangon pagkatapos nun.”  Albay Bulkans’ Vhinjie Bataller attempts a conversion during the pool rounds against Manila Hapons. Double Training with Pass It Back and Albay Bulkans When Roman Teodoro learned about the Pass It Back recruitment at his school, it was the opportunity to learn the five rugby values that caught his attention. That was what motivated him to join the program. “Nung nalaman ko na matututo rin kami tungkol sa 5 rugby values, yun talaga yung nagmotivate sa akin para sumali,” said Roman. While learning T1 rugby through Pass It Back, Roman would stay after the sessions ended to join the Albay Bulkans’ full-contact Rugby 7s training. He had always wanted to experience full-contact rugby. “Wala akong masyadong naging adjustment sa full contact rugby, kasi pagkatapos po ng Pass It Back sessions, sumasali na rin po ako sa training nila [Albay Bulkans] nun.” Although he adjusted quickly to full-contact rugby, Roman emphasized how the value of integrity that he learned through Pass It Back continues to guide him. “Yung gagawa ka ng mabuti kahit walang makakakita. Kahit sa training po, may mga ginawa ako para mag-improve kahit walang nakakakita. Yun po yung masarap sa feeling.”  Albay Bulkans’ Roman Teodoro takes possession of the ball during the pool rounds against Manila Hapons. From Pass It Back to PRFU 7s Lawrence Laus and Gerald Belano are still taking in the experience of competing in full-contact Rugby 7s with the Albay Bulkans. “Dream team po talaga yung makasama dito,” said Gerald. Gerald was motivated to join after seeing the Pass It Back program’s recruitment at his school, while Lawrence became curious about the sport after being introduced to rugby. “Feel ko po ang interesting ng sports na rugby po nun kaya sumali ako, tapos ngayon naglalaro na po ako ng full contact 7s, slowly nakapag-adjust naman po,” said Lawrence. The two young players shared how the five rugby values remained in their minds as they competed in the PRFU 7s, having been repeatedly highlighted during their Pass It Back sessions.  Albay Bulkans’ Gerald Belano keeps his composure while maintaining possession of the ball as Manila Carabaos make a tackle during the pool rounds. Building the "Young Bulkans" The Albay Bulkans Development Team, together with their newly recruited Pass It Back youth players, will gear up for Leg 2 as they look to improve their standing in the PRFU 7s Series. Leg 2 is tentatively scheduled for September 12 at Alabang Country Club, Muntinlupa City. Albay Bulkans Founder and Coach Ric Bellen expressed his delight at seeing how his hard work paid off in training the four youth recruits even before they officially became part of the team. “They were just kids whom I trained back in Bacacay,” said Coach Ric, reflecting on how the four youths are now competing in full-contact rugby. “The Albay Bulkans will be open to accommodating Pass It Back youth as long as I’m still in leadership.” About Pass It Back Pass It Back is an integrated rugby and life skills learning curriculum designed by ChildFund Rugby 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. 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]  by Mark Villamora T1 Rugby returns for the third consecutive year as an official sport of the 41st Kadayawan Sports Festival, set for August 22–23, 2026, at the University of the Philippines Mindanao Admin Football Field in Davao City. The Kadayawan Festival is Davao City’s annual celebration of culture and community, with sports forming a major part of the celebration. Alongside traditional games showcased through Dula Kadayawan, which highlights the cultural heritage of Davao City’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups, the Kadayawan Sports Festival features a wide range of competitive sports, including rugby. T1 Rugby joined the Kadayawan Sports Festival in 2024, debuting with 18 teams. The tournament grew to 30 teams in 2025, with participation expanding beyond Davao to include teams from Cebu City.  2025 participants of the T1 Rugby Festival held at Catalunan Elementary School in Davao City. For its third edition, T1 Rugby is further expanding its reach through public schools across Davao City following a formal endorsement from the Department of Education Schools Division of Davao City. Lamanan National High School will also make its T1 Rugby debut as part of this year’s festival. The continued inclusion of T1 Rugby in the Kadayawan Sports Festival provides young athletes with an accessible entry point into rugby through its non-contact format. Leading grassroots rugby development in the region is Davao Durians RFC, which uses the sport as a platform for youth development and community engagement. Through initiatives such as Project 0 and the upcoming Project H0PE, Davao Durians integrates life-skills mentorship, character development, resilience, and values-based learning into its programs. The club also works with organizations including the Foundation of Balay Pasilungan, SOS Children’s Village, Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Home, and Tambayan Center for Children’s Rights Inc. to bring rugby programs to children and young people in different communities.  Davao Durians’ “Tara, Laro Tayo” rugby mentorship program held at SOS Children’s Village Davao earlier this year. The Kadayawan T1 Rugby Festival also provides a scouting platform for young athletes looking to progress from grassroots programs into regional and national competitions. “T1 Rugby’s presence provides Mindanao youth with a safe, free, and accessible entry point into team sports. By connecting local public school athletes to national youth development pathways under the PRFU, the festival serves as a sustainable model for growing rugby across the region,” said Mindanao Community Rugby Development Officer BK Delos Santos. Players identified through these programs can pursue opportunities to represent Davao in national youth competitions such as Batang Pinoy, creating a pathway from community participation to higher-level competition. From 18 teams in 2024 to 30 teams in 2025 and an expanded reach into public schools in 2026, the Kadayawan T1 Rugby Festival continues to provide a growing platform for grassroots rugby development in Davao. 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 develops and promotes rugby nationwide through grassroots programs, domestic competitions, national development programs, and the Philippine national rugby teams. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].  by Mark Villamora Lamanan National High School (LNHS) took its first step into rugby as Philippine Volcanoes player James Halasan Ryan joined students for their inaugural rugby clinic on August 1 in Calinan District, Davao City. Halasan Leads LNHS’ First Rugby Experience Halasan introduced students to the fundamentals of rugby, including the backward pass and T1 Rugby principles, before joining them in friendly scrimmages.  James Halasan Ryan facilitating the T1 Rugby Clinic in Lamanan National High School. He was joined by Vanessa Julia Ramos, Co-Captain of the Rugby Rising Play Davao Team, and community coaches from the Davao Durians RFC Megkawayan hub, who guided the students throughout the clinic. “Over the past two years, I have visited different communities to introduce rugby to young people who have limited opportunities to experience rugby,” said Men’s Volcanoes player Halasan. His grassroots efforts come alongside his international achievements, having been part of the Philippine Volcanoes squad that successfully defended the Unions Cup title in July 2026. Halasan hopes to see more schools embrace rugby and provide young athletes with opportunities to develop through the sport. Growing the Grassroots Game The LNHS clinic adds to the growing grassroots rugby movement supported by the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU), as the Union continues to expand rugby in schools and communities nationwide. Ramos emphasized the role of Rugby Rising Play in creating safe and inclusive opportunities for students, particularly girls, to experience T1 Rugby while developing confidence, teamwork, discipline, and leadership. “Programs like Rugby Rising Play provide high school students and girls the opportunity to experience rugby in a safe, fun, and inclusive way through non-contact T1 Rugby,” said Rugby Rising Play Co-Captain Ramos.  Students from Lamanan NHS learning the rules of rugby. LNHS Eyes Kadayawan Debut Following their first clinic, the newly formed LNHS rugby team is preparing to make its debut at the Kadayawan T1 Rugby Festival on August 22–23 at UP Mindanao. For Principal Jaypee Joromat, rugby is another avenue for students to develop discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and character both on and off the field. “All sports, including rugby, play a vital role in the holistic development of every learner by nurturing not only their physical abilities but also their character, values, and life skills,” said LNHS Principal Jaypee Joromat. With the support of the school community, local coaches, Davao Durians RFC, and the PRFU grassroots network, LNHS now begins its rugby journey. From its first clinic to its first tournament, Lamanan NHS is only getting started. 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] |
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