​Globe Volcanoes finish in final four

The Globe Philippine Volcanoes finished in the top four for Round 1 of the Asia Sevens Series in Hong Kong on Saturday, a first time since 2013 for the national Rugby team.

​The Volcanoes started the tournament with a 2 and 0 record after defeating reigning Asian Games bronze medalist Korea in their first match 12 to 7. Ryan Reyes Howe, the hero, scoring on the final play running 60 metres to outpace the Koreans. The Volcanoes continued their march on day one defeating current 2017 SEA Games gold medalist, Malaysia, 26 to 12 in their second match; Howe scoring another double. 

“A solid first day performance for our team, we set ourselves up and secured our place for the finals early in the tournament,” shared Chris Everingham, Performance Manager for the Philippines.
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The second day the Volcanoes took on the best Asia has to offer, pitted against home town heroes and 2018 Gold Medalist at the Asian Games Hong Kong and overall winners of the tournament Japan. Successive losses to both left the Volcanoes to fight for the Bronze Medal against Sri Lanka, which the Tuskers secured. 

Donald Canon Coleman powering through the Korean Defence - Photo Credits to Asia Rugby & Hong Kong Rugby Football Union

The Philippines got the better of Malaysia for their Pool B match up - Photo credit Asia Rugby & Hong Kong Rugby Football Union

Picture Donald Canon Coleman forcing pressure on the Tusker - Photo credit Asia Rugby & Hong Kong Rugby Football Union

“An overall fourth finish in Round 1 we are extremely proud of. It’s a long series, we travel for round 2 in Korea in two weeks, where we will get another shot for a medal place finishing,” added Jake Letts from Philippine Rugby 

The Volcanoes had six new faces for the national team, Donald Canon Coleman one of the best for the Philippines along with the likes of Howe, Timothy Bweheni and Joe Palabay Dawson. 

The Volcanoes finished top of the SEA Nations, Malaysia finished seventh overall. It’s the highest place in the Asia Sevens Series the Volcanoes have placed since they last qualified for the Rugby Sevens World Cup in Moscow in 2013. 

“In the past, we have finished as high as second and third, however since 2014 it’s been tough to finish on the podium. Rugby in Asia continues to rise and it’s good to see Philippine Rugby continues to show it has what it takes to compete at the highest level. A top four achievement is a great result for last weekend. Our challenge will be to remain consistent throughout the next two rounds. We had six new players for Hong Kong, so we will be gaining experience from this at look for a podium finish in two weeks” shared Letts. 

​The Volcanoes are straight into preparations, with their training camp scheduled for Wednesday. All eyes are set on Korea for September 29 and 30.