Filipino Community Rugby Day in Hong Kong Draws 150+ Domestic Helpers and Aspiring Volcanoes

by Mark Villamora

The 2025 Filipino Community Rugby Day turned into a massive rugby festival, drawing over 150 participants, including more than 100 touch and tag rugby players from Hong Kong's domestic helpers' community, held in HK Happy Rugby Valley Pitch on February 2.

Originally planned as a Talent ID Day to identify potential players for the Maharlikan and Magandaquins program—the national pathway to the Philippine Volcanoes—the event saw an overwhelming response, prompting organizers to expand the day’s activities.

The rugby festival featured open-for-all social touch games, a rugby clinic aimed at newcomers, and a dedicated talent ID session for aspiring players. Filipino heritage players from the Hong Kong China Sevens also participated, providing valuable support and inspiration for the participants.

The day ended on a high note with merienda sponsored by Dara Hong Kong, alongside homemade food generously provided by the Coebergh family, creating a festive and supportive atmosphere for everyone involved.

Volcanoes Women's Head Coach facilitating the rugby clinic. Photos by Sommai Sports.

​Event Organization and Support
​
The event was organized by Samantha Scott (Volcanoes 7s Women’s Head Coach), Kate Palis Stroem (Women’s Volcanoes 7s), Aljon Rae Grospe (Men’s Volcanoes 15s), and Matthew Macphearson (Men’s Volcanoes 15s), along with the dedicated volunteers from the Maharlikans.

​A group of passionate coaches and volunteers contributed their time and energy to make the day a success. These included:

• Kai Stroem (Captain - Volcanoes 7s Men)
• Katrina Mathers (Women’s Volcanoes 7s)
• Jake Salonga (Valley RFC, Maharlikan)
• Mj Inot (Valley RFC, Maharlikan)
• Angelo Luzano (Premiership Touch Rugby and Tag Rugby Player & Coach)
• Aysha Fiaz (HKFC Rugby)
• Micayla Baltazar (Hong Kong China 7s Player)
• Wingsang Li Canapi (Valley RFC, CityU 7s Team, Maharlikan)
• Wesley Feausi (Valley RFC Coach, Former Hong Kong National Age Grade Coach)
• Fion Got (Hong Kong China Women’s 15s Player)
• Anthony Coebergh (Hong Kong China Men’s 15s, HKFC Rugby, Maharlikan)
• Roshini Turner (Hong Kong China Women’s 15s Player)

Participants enjoying a salo-salo with food sponsored by Dara Hong Kong and the Coebregh Family.

​Filipino Community Rugby Day Partners:

• Sommai Sports (Facebook | Instagram)
• Dara Hong Kong (Facebook | Instagram)
• Swire Coca-Cola HK
  
  

With plans to make the Filipino Community Rugby Day an annual event, organizers are inviting volunteers, supporters, and donors to help continue growing this important initiative. Those interested in contributing their time or resources can reach out to [email protected] for further details. The community is excited about the future of the event and its potential to foster more growth and opportunities for Filipino rugby players in Hong Kong.
​
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]​