First Pacific Lady Volcanoes set for Trophy Series

​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.

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. 

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.  

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.