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by Mark Villamora The men’s Eagles RFC claimed their third consecutive championship, while the women’s SKF Makati Mavericks ended women’s Eagles RFC’s back-to-back title run in a thrilling final of the 2024 Luzon 7s Series at Alabang Country Club on October 19.  Justin Coveney making a desperation tackle against Johnny Greenwood. Eagles RFC’s Trilogy Win The men’s Eagles RFC swept all three tournament legs, earning their third straight title in the 2024 Luzon 7s Series. Confident entering the finals, the Eagles had already reached the maximum points from the first two legs, securing their spot at the top. Despite their early advantage, they maintained their momentum, delivering strong performances match after match in the final leg. Facing their season-long rivals, the Manila Nomads, in the men’s cup final for the third time this year, the Eagles engaged in a tightly contested battle. The Nomads opened the game with a first-minute try, putting pressure on the Eagles with a strong defensive performance. However, the Eagles fought back, taking the lead at the close of the first half. The second half saw both teams fiercely contesting every play, with the Nomads almost catching up. But an unsuccessful conversion attempt left the final score at 12-10, securing the Eagles’ victory in one of their closest matchups of the season.  Lady Mavericks captain Sylvia Tudoc makes her fourth successful conversion, leading the team to victory. SKF Makati Mavericks Bounce Back In the women’s division, the SKF Makati Mavericks rebounded in the final leg of the Luzon 7s, dethroning last season’s champions, the Eagles RFC. The Lady Mavericks dominated in the first leg, winning all their matches and keeping both Eagles RFC and Manila Nomads Rogues scoreless. However, the second leg proved more challenging, as several senior players attended a National Team training camp for the Asia Rugby Trophy Sevens in Nepal. Though the Lady Mavericks topped the pool rounds, they fell short in the cup final of Leg 2, where the Lady Eagles prevailed 19-0. “From last year, I decided na dalawang team ang i-develop and give everyone the opportunity to apply yung ginagawa [naming seniors] sa training, para kahit wala kaming senior players confident ako na kaya nila. And proven and tested yun from last leg na lahat sila nagshine. The development ng Mavericks Women's Rugby ay sobrang bright,” said SKF Makati Mavericks Player-Coach Rassiel Sales. In the final leg, competition was fierce in the women’s division, with no guarantee that the Lady Mavericks could break the Eagles’ winning streak. In a close pool-round match, the Lady Mavericks narrowly edged out the Eagles with a single try, ending the game at 10-5. The final cup match, the decisive faceoff between the Lady Mavericks and Lady Eagles, turned into a do-or-die battle for the Luzon 7s title. Janin Puig and Rassiel Sales of the Lady Mavericks started strong, each scoring a try to give their team a 14-point lead. Captain Sylvia Tudoc completed four conversions, ensuring the Lady Mavericks’ 28-12 victory. “I can say that I'm always ready for whatever the outcome of that leg manalo man o matalo… Hindi ko inexpect na matatalo namin ang Eagles RFC. What we expect is magiging close ang laban. But we will do the best that we can as a team to win the last leg, and that's it. We did it!,” said SKF Makati Mavericks Captain Sylvia Tudoc.  Manila Nomads Under-20 teams, Buffalo and Juggernauts, showcasing their rugby skills in an exhibition game of Luzon Leg 3. The third leg also featured an exhibition match from the Colts Division, where the Manila Nomads Under-20s, including the Junior Buffalos and Junior Nauggernuts, showcased their talent.
This 2024 season marks the reestablishment of the Colts Division in the PRFU 7s Series, highlighting the development of youth rugby in the Philippines. 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] Comments are closed.
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